Burning palate

introduction

A burning sensation in the palate area can be a symptom of various causes.
Often there is a clear trigger for the discomfort, such as a slight burn from food that is too hot. But slower processes, i.e. not acutely or suddenly occurring processes, can cause a burning sensation on the palate. For example, inflammation can trigger a burning sensation.

In order to facilitate a correct diagnosis, it should also be possible to further characterize the burning sensation: the onset of the discomfort should be described as well as the course of the pain intensity.

Causes of a Burning Palate

The most common cause of a burning palate is a burn from food that is too hot, such as tea, coffee or soup. The mucous membrane is then so stressed by the heat that it can no longer compensate for the temperature, for example by being transported away by the blood. The result is denaturation, that is, certain molecules that are important for the maintenance of the mucous membrane "breaking down".

Since the mucous membrane on the palate is very thin, it is already damaged by brief thermal stress. Therefore, this damage can also occur from very hot vapors that are inhaled. If this is the case, one speaks of the so-called inhalation trauma, which, in addition to the palate, can also affect the pharynx and throat area. But inflammation on the roof of the mouth can also cause a burning sensation. If the mucous membrane is injured, bacteria that are naturally found in the oral cavity can trigger an inflammatory reaction.

Irritation of the mucous membrane from coughing or a cold can also trigger a burning sensation in the throat and palate.

In this way, an allergy can also cause a burning palate.

Find out more at: Burning on the palate

Burning palate with a cold

A cold, especially with a cough, can cause a burning palate.
The regular irritation caused by coughing often leads to a sensitization of the nerves in the neck, pharynx and back of the palate. In contrast to the inflammatory or allergic reaction, this does not happen biochemically, but mechanically. The consequence, however, is the same; there is an uncomfortable to painful sensation. These often last as long as the cold itself and still need some time afterwards to subside.

Burning palate with an allergy

With an allergy, burning and painful sensations may appear on the palate.
First of all, the mucous membrane is constantly irritated by the allergens. In addition, inflammatory messenger substances are released in the event of an allergic reaction. These provide additional sensitivity and the area is accordingly even easier to irritate. The irritation can then manifest itself as pain or a burning sensation.

Read more about this: Symptoms of an allergy

Inflammation on the roof of the mouth

Inflammation is a complex reaction of the body with which it reacts to a damaging stimulus or damage to a part of the body that has already occurred. Signs of inflammation Redness, swelling, pain, overheating and loss of function in the affected area.

A burning sensation on the roof of the mouth can be a sign of inflammation in this area. This can be caused by minor injuries to the mucous membrane, for example accidentally caused by brushing your teeth. Bacteria and pathogens that naturally occur in the mouth can penetrate the tissue through the small wounds and cause an inflammatory reaction. The typical pain associated with inflammation increases in bursts. If an inflammation is suspected, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible.

Read also: Inflammation on the roof of the mouth

Concomitant symptoms

Palate swelling

The swelling of the burning area on the roof of the mouth may be due to the irritation, burn, or inflammation in the area.
The basic mechanism that leads to swelling is related to certain messenger substances: These messenger substances are released in the event of injuries and inflammations, but also in the case of allergies. They increase the sensitivity of the corresponding area, can also expand the vessels and cause the vessel walls to leak somewhat. This should make it easier for the immune cells to enter the surrounding tissue in order to fend off possible pathogens at the injured area. This leads to a “leak” in the vessel walls, so that fluid from the vessels enters the intercellular space and forms an accumulation there. This can then be perceived from the outside as a swelling.
As soon as the vessels are tight again due to the repair and breakdown of the corresponding messenger substances, the leaked fluid is also absorbed by the surrounding cells and the swelling goes down.

More information can be found here: The palate swelling

Pain

A burning sensation on the palate can result from an irritated or thinner mucous membrane due to extensive injuries.
Here the physical protective layer, which is an intact mucous membrane, is less resilient over the sensitive nerve endings. If there is an inflammatory cause, messenger substances are also released that sensitize the pain receptors. Due to the constant irritation caused by cold-related coughs or allergens, the nerves are further irritated and therefore convey a sensation of pain.

If a dangerous cause has been ruled out, pain medication such as Paracetamol® or Ibuprofen® can be used for severe pain be grasped.

More information can be found here: Palate pain

diagnosis

In order to correctly diagnose the cause of a burning sensation on the roof of the mouth, it should first be discussed since when the discomfort has existed and whether there is a specific trigger gave. Maybe there are even accompanying complaints like an allergy or a cold. It also helps to know when the burning sensation is worse or what, if any, it can relieve.

During the subsequent examination of the burning area, attention should be paid to the signs of inflammation as well as general differences to the rest of the mucous membrane on the palate. Further examinations such as blood tests are not appropriate in the case of a burning palate, as the diagnosis usually has no great influence on subsequent therapy.

treatment

In most cases, a burning palate does not need treatment as the discomfort should go away on its own after a few days.
A mucous membrane irritated by a cold, burn or allergy needs time to heal. During this time it can help to support the body in healing and regeneration. Homeopathic or home remedies can be used for this (see below). In addition, the cause of the irritation should be corrected or at least treated.
Allergic complaints can be treated with appropriate medication, for example. However, if the cause is inflammation, drug treatment may or may not be necessary. Your family doctor or ear, nose and throat doctor should be asked about this.
If it is an inflammatory change, the symptoms can be improved with mouthwash in order to disinfect the affected area and thus to achieve faster healing.

These home remedies can help

To relieve the acute pain and relieve the burning sensation, some home remedies can also be tried. It is best to bring substances to the burning area that have a calming effect on the mucous membrane or have a healing effect.

That can be called, for example, a lukewarm chamomile tea. The ingredients of chamomile support good wound healing. The temperature should neither be too hot nor too cold in order not to cause additional, so-called thermal stress. For this reason, ice cubes or ice cream should be handled very carefully. However, if the person concerned experiences relief from the burning sensation, this can actually also be a good home remedy.

homeopathy

If you want to relieve the burning sensation on the palate, you can also try a treatment with the help of homeopathic remedies.
As always, for a therapy with homeopathy you have to analyze the appearance of the condition to be treated as well as the accompanying symptoms in order to use the right remedy. Nevertheless, a remedy often used for complaints of the mucous membrane should be mentioned here: Bryonia is intended to help with injuries and complaints of the inner skin and surfaces, including the mucous membrane of the mouth area. For dosage, low potencies such as D6 should first be selected, especially if the remedy is used independently.
It is taken until the symptoms have subsided. If there is no improvement after a week at the latest, a naturopath or doctor should be consulted.

Duration

The duration of a burning palate depends largely on the cause of this discomfort. Burns or scalds should subside after a few days, as the mucous membrane normally regenerates faster than the outer skin. That is why the pain intensity will steadily decrease with a burn.

In the case of inflammation, however, it can longer than a few days last. The course of the pain and the discomfort can be burst-like or increase steadily or gradually. If the pain persists for more than a week, if the painful area continues to expand or if there is a fever, medical advice should be obtained as mentioned.