Stomatitis in the throat: does it occur and what does tonsil involvement look like

A sore throat with white sores is often frightening: some think of stomatitis, others of other lesions. A calm look at what aphthae look like and how they differ from other lesions helps clarify whether stomatitis occurs in the throat and on the tonsils.

Does stomatitis occur in the throat

Yes, aphthae can be located not only on the cheeks, under the tongue, or on the lips, but also in the back of the throat. Aphthous ulcers are described as small round sores with a red edge and a gray center. Stomatitis is inflammation of the oral cavity and lips, which may include redness of the mucosa and single or multiple ulcers. Stomatitis itself is not contagious, although the cause behind it may sometimes be infectious.

What stomatitis looks like in the throat and on the tonsils

A typical aphtha is round, with a white or beige fibrinous coating in the center and an inflamed red rim around it. The tissue next to the ulcer usually looks healthy, and pronounced general symptoms such as high fever may be absent. Aphthae can be located in the back of the throat. Photos on the internet only help with orientation: a diagnosis cannot be made from an image.

Causes of aphthae and sores in the throat

Possible causes include viral infections, stress, food allergy, lack of vitamins and minerals, and hormonal changes. Aphthous stomatitis is associated with bacteria and viruses, microtrauma, burns, and weakened immunity. Single ulcers often occur due to biting the cheek, poorly fitting dentures, spicy or hot food, fatigue, and anxiety. Several ulcers at once occur in hand, foot, and mouth disease, which also causes a rash on the hands and feet, lichen planus, diseases of the digestive system (Crohn's disease, celiac disease), and weakened immunity.

• Viral and bacterial infections
• Stress, fatigue, and anxiety
• Mucosal injuries, burns, rough food
• Deficiency of iron, zinc, folic acid, vitamins B and D
• Hormonal fluctuations and allergy

Which throat diseases stomatitis is confused with

Aphthae are confused with herpetic eruptions: herpes starts with vesicles that burst and is often accompanied by fever. Cold sores on the lips are not the same as aphthae. A doctor should distinguish stomatitis from other conditions: the appearance of the ulcers, their location, and whether they recur are important.

How a doctor makes the diagnosis

There are no specific tests to detect stomatitis. The doctor reviews the medical history, examines the oral cavity and throat, assesses the appearance of the ulcers, their location, and whether they recur. An examination by a dentist or physician helps rule out other causes of sore throat.

When to see a doctor

Usually ulcers heal on their own within a week or two. You should see a dentist or doctor if an ulcer persists for more than three weeks, looks unusual, bleeds, or becomes more painful and redder. Ulcers elsewhere on the body, joint pain, and swelling are also reasons for consultation. A long-healing ulcer is sometimes a sign of oral cancer, so it is better to show it to a specialist.

A lesion in the throat by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103 or 112 — for a life-threatening condition.

This material is for reference: the decision on management remains with you and your doctor, and if in doubt, it is better to show the throat to a specialist.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer