Pus in the throat

introduction

A pus pimple in the throat is a raised change in the skin or mucous membrane in the area of the throat that is filled with pus. The pus has the same basic properties as pimples on other parts of the body. In the throat area, they can be a very painful affair that can affect the quality of life of those affected. Since the treatment can be problematic due to the localization, the healing process can take a long time.

Read more on the topic: Inflammation in the throat

Symptoms

Pus pimples in the throat can cause a variety of symptoms of varying degrees. The symptoms can appear relatively insidious, slowly increasing, or relatively suddenly. The pus pimples in the throat show the same appearance as pimples in other parts of the body.

This means that a slightly raised, painful, reddened, pus-filled skin change can be seen. In some cases, the neighborhood structures can also be swollen, red and painful. Watery, purulent secretions can escape from mature pus pimples.

Read more on the topic: Pus in the throat

Sometimes this causes bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. It can also lead to a sore throat, dry cough and difficulty swallowing. Depending on how long the symptoms persist, weight loss may also occur as food intake can be difficult and painful.

In infants, the symptoms can manifest themselves in increased screaming and "whining", as well as in refusal to eat. Depending on the cause and possibly underlying underlying illnesses, general malaise, a feeling of illness, swelling of the lymph nodes, fever, chills and changes in the skin and mucous membranes can be caused in other parts of the body.

You might also be interested in: Pus in the mouth

with a sore throat

Due to the localization, a sore throat can occur. This can possibly be misinterpreted. But it is also possible that after a throat infection, the pharyngeal mucous membrane is damaged and pus pimples develop as a result. That means that in this case the sore throat was there before or an infection preceded it. If you are unsure, a doctor should be contacted.

Also read: Sore throat - what to do?

with difficulty swallowing

The location of the pus pimples in the throat makes it easier to swallow. Swallowing can be difficult but painless. In this case, one speaks of dysphagia in technical jargon. However, swallowing can also be painful. In medical terminology, this is known as odynophagia. When the pus pimples have disappeared, the difficulty swallowing usually also subsides. During the time when the symptoms are present, food that is as soft as possible and at an appropriate temperature should be consumed.

Find out more at: difficulties swallowing

Pus pimples in the throat and on the tongue

Theoretically, pus pimples can also develop on the tongue. This can be very uncomfortable. Since the tongue is very sensitive, pus pimples on the tongue can also be very painful. Their appearance is similar to the pimples in the throat. The causes and diagnosis can also be similar to those of the pus pimples in the throat.

It is important to rule out possible general illnesses. In addition, pus pimples on the tongue can be caused by a tongue piercing, for example. This can lead to a contact allergy and / or bacterial inflammation, which shows up in the form of pus pimples on the tongue.

As with pus pimples in the throat, pus pimples on the tongue can make it difficult to eat. As a result, the symptoms can lead to weight loss. In some cases speaking is also restricted. Treatment depends on the causes. Here, too, a doctor should be consulted with persistent or recurring symptoms and uncertainties.

causes

The causes of pus pimples in the throat can be varied. Basically, pus pimples arise due to a disproportion between sebum production and sebum breakdown in connection with clogged pores. The sebum glands are mainly located in regions where hair is present. But there are also special sebum glands that are located in unusual parts of the body. These include the Fordyce glands. They are located in the mouth and throat area, among other things. This gland is known as the free sebum gland. Usually it doesn't cause any problems.

If now e.g. If there is a small injury to the lining of the throat, bacteria can enter and trigger pus pimples in the throat. The injury to the lining of the throat can be triggered by food, drinks or other foods that are too hot and which damage the lining of the throat. Certain substances in toothpaste or mouthwash can also irritate the mucous membrane and cause pus pimples in the throat.

Furthermore, the mucous membrane of the throat can be damaged by medical interventions in the course of operations or emergencies, in which certain aids have to be inserted through the throat. The development of pus pimples in the throat is favored by a weakened immune system and diseases that go hand in hand with it.

Read more under: Pus development and treatment

Can that be an indication of HIV?

HIV is a disease of the immune system. It can show itself in different ways. Often unspecific complaints are in the foreground at the beginning. Increased skin and mucous membrane changes can also occur here. However, as the sole criterion, pus pimples in the throat are not sufficient to express suspicion of HIV. However, if there is increased evidence of HIV infection in the medical history and medical history, a doctor should be seen and an HIV test performed.

Find out more at. Symptoms of HIV

What to do against pus pimples in the throat

The therapy depends on the causes. If there are causal intolerances or allergies to certain substances in the toothpaste, in the mouthwash or in certain foods, these should be avoided.

Pain relief and anti-inflammatory measures are also in the foreground. This can be done with cooling, soft food and drinks. Mouthwashes with sage, chamomile or sea salt can also have a soothing effect. In addition, nettle tea can generally support the immune system. In addition, ginger and honey can have a disinfectant effect.

In some cases, homeopathic remedies are supportive. Depending on the cause and symptoms, different substances are recommended in different potency.
If the pus pimples do not heal, multiply, or recur and / or accompanying symptoms occur, a doctor should be contacted. In some cases, pain relievers are indicated. If the bacterial inflammation spreads, certain antibiotics may be advisable.

Duration

The duration of the pus pimples in the throat and the associated symptoms depend on the cause, the immune system of the person affected and individual factors. If causal intolerance or allergies triggered the symptoms, these are usually reduced as soon as the allergens are avoided. In the throat area, this can sometimes take a few days, sometimes 1-2 weeks. If there is a weakened immune system or a causal underlying disease, the symptoms last correspondingly longer.

diagnosis

As a rule, pus pimples in the throat are harmless. However, if these do not heal on their own, cause severe symptoms or occur more frequently, a doctor should be consulted. This first asks the person concerned. It is helpful if the person concerned or the family member thinks about answers to the W-questions (what, how, when, where, etc.) before visiting the doctor.

After the interview, the doctor will take a good look at the mouth and throat. If there are still complaints in other parts of the body, these will also be assessed. In addition, the lymph nodes are felt. If necessary, the doctor takes a smear to identify the pathogen. Appropriate allergy tests are carried out if intolerance or allergies are suspected. If an immune deficiency or a related disease is suspected, the parameters in the blood are checked.