
What Causes Painful Red Spots On Soft Palate?

I have painful red spots on my soft palate for two days. My tonsils are also red. I do not have a sore throat. I get brief headaches and occasional ear aches, but they don't last long. Even though my nose is clear, I feel as though there is a nasal discharge at the back of my throat.
I am unsure whether this is just a viral infection or something worse...
Mucositis with prodromal stage of viral infection
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query. I will try my best to help you with this problem.
Without a photograph of the lesion, it is very difficult to tell you what exactly it is. But, I can make an honest attempt to give you the most probable causes.
1. The commonest cause is mucositis. Mucositis, is the inflammation of the mucosa of the lining of the throat. The red spots are the weak areas in the mucosa which are noticed when the immunity in the body gets low or any assault by the food or liquids we consume.
2. Early stages of aphthous ulcer can also present as simmilar red spots.
3. Prodromal stage of viral infection do start with most of the symptoms you are experiencing now. The sense of post nasal discharge is because of the inflammation over the soft palate and the tonsillar pillars.
Do not worry! Most of your symptoms can be controlled with the initial household remedies:
1. Drink plenty of warm water
2. Do steam inhalation - the warm air will help in soothening the inflammed mucosa.
3. Use OTC povidone iodine mouth spray or mouth gargles to reduce the inflammation of the mucosa.
4. Consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, this will boost the immunity and reduce the inflammation.
5. Avoid hot/chilled beverages and food.
6. Avoid coffee
Hope these measures will help you in speedy recovery. Revert back to me if you have any follow-up queries.
I wish you good health.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Answered by

Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Practicing since :2001
Answered : 2545 Questions
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