Introduction
Red spots in the throat can have a variety of causes. In general, it can be assumed that a specialist should always be consulted in the case of noticeable red spots in the throat. The reason for the appearance of the red spots can be caused by illness, allergy or toxicity.
Although most causes leading to red spots in the throat are comparatively harmless diseases, such changes in the mucous membrane can also have serious causes. People who suffer from red spots in the throat often notice other symptoms that occur simultaneously. The most common symptoms that can be observed in connection with red spots in the throat include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, coughing and fever. In addition, some of the viral diseases that cause red spots in the throat also cause rashes. The treatment of throat changes always depends on the causative disease, the symptoms described by the patient and, if necessary, on the pathogen detected.
Causes
Although there can be many reasons for the appearance of red spots in the throat, it can be observed in clinical routine that some causes are particularly common. Among the most common diseases that lead to the development of red spots in the throat are
- Pharyngitis (inflammation of the throat)
- Scarlet fever
- Allergic reactions
Pharyngitis is the most common cause for the appearance of red spots in the throat. In this disease, inflammatory processes occur in the area of the pharyngeal mucosa.
Pharyngitis can be both acute and chronic. The acute form of pharyngitis is usually caused by an infection. In most cases, indications of the presence of a viral infection can be found in those affected.
Only in the rarest cases is an acute pharyngitis, which leads to red spots in the throat, caused by bacterial pathogens. The affected patients typically suffer from severe sore throat and difficulty swallowing. In addition, inflammatory processes often occur simultaneously in the area of the mucous membranes of the nose and larynx.
In addition, patients affected by acute pharyngitis often show pronounced general symptoms with fever, chills, headaches and fatigue. Since acute pharyngitis is usually a viral infection, therapy can only be given on a purely symptomatic basis. Above all, the painkillers (analgesics) ibuprofen and paracetamol are particularly suitable for relieving the pain.
Decongestant nasal drops can also help to alleviate the symptoms. However, patients suffering from acute pharyngitis, which can lead to red spots in the throat, should urgently refrain from antibiotic throat rinses. The reason for this is that destruction of the natural flora of the throat increases the risk of developing fungal infections.
Sore throat tablets that anaesthetize the throat wall, on the other hand, are very suitable for treating acute pharyngitis. The chronic form of pharyngitis rarely leads to red spots in the throat. In affected patients, the pharyngeal wall is more likely to be reddened over the entire surface.
The cause of chronic pharyngitis is usually a long-term irritation of the mucous membrane. Possible triggers are the consumption of tobacco products, alcohol, environmental toxins, metabolic disorders (e.g. diabetes mellitus), hormonal changes (e.g. during pregnancy or menopause) and allergies.
While red spots in the throat tend to appear flat in the presence of chronic pharyngitis, affected patients also experience sore throats and difficulty swallowing. In addition, those affected often describe a feeling as if one had to constantly clear one’s throat (globe feeling). The treatment of chronic pharyngitis is mainly done by eliminating the triggering factor.
Smokers, for example, are strongly advised to stop smoking immediately and permanently. Irrespective of which form of pharyngitis is involved, red spots in the throat caused by inflammatory processes can be treated very well in most cases. Red spots in the throat can also be an indication of a scarlet fever infection.The childhood disease scarlet fever is a highly contagious infection caused by streptococci.
The causative bacterial pathogens are typically transmitted by saliva droplets (so-called droplet infection). However, the term “childhood disease” is unfavorably chosen for scarlet fever. The reason for this is the fact that typical childhood diseases can only break out once.
Scarlet fever, on the other hand, can cause multiple outbreaks, albeit in a less pronounced form. The term “childhood disease” can only be attributed to the fact that this disease can be observed in children in the majority of cases. Persons suffering from scarlet fever usually develop sudden sore throats and high fever.
In addition, severe coughing, vomiting, palpitations and headaches and aching limbs are typical symptoms of scarlet fever. It is only on the second or third day after the onset of the first symptoms that the rash typical of scarlet fever appears. It usually starts in the armpit and groin region and spreads from there over the whole body.
Red spots in the throat are also usually found with a delay in the affected patients. Since scarlet fever, which can lead to red spots in the throat, is a bacterial infection, the therapy is carried out by administering an effective antibiotic. You can find more information on this topic at: Scarlet rash Scarlet therapy therefore consists of a ten-day course of antibiotics.
In addition, symptomatic treatment may also be useful in severe cases. Drugs containing the active ingredient ibuprofen or paracetamol are particularly suitable for relieving pain and lowering fever. Treatment of scarlet fever should be started as early as possible.
Timely initiation of therapy ensures that the risk of late complications of the infection (e.g. rheumatism, heart muscle or kidney inflammation) can be significantly reduced. Red spots in the throat can also be a sign of an allergic reaction. Food allergies in particular can lead to red spots due to direct contact between the pharyngeal mucosa and the allergen. Patients who only have red spots in their throat and do not suffer from any general symptoms should consult a specialist and have an allergic reaction ruled out.
