What Causes Soreness In Mouth?

Posted on Thu, 27 Nov 2014

Question: I have a sore in the back of my mouth that appears to be healing, but it feels like some tissue is hanging down from it into the top of my throat. I can't seem to get it to go down or come up. I gargle with salt water with no apparent effect.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Laryngo-pharyngeal reflux/sinusitis...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query.

The symptoms described by you are the features of the following conditions:
1. Laryngo-pharyngeal reflux, secondary to the acid reflux from the stomach into the throat. This causes edema of the mucosa of the throat and elongation of the uvula.
2. Recurrent sinusitis can irritate the throat with post nasal drip. Also, if there is a nasal block, mouth breathing will follow, due to which, the throat becomes sore.
3. Recurrent throat infections can also cause sore throat.

The tissue hanging from above the throat is the elongated uvula because of the existing inflammation. Do not worry! Once the inflammation reduces, the elongated uvula will become normal.

My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink plenty of warm water.
2. Avoid chilled food and beverages/smoking/alcohol/coffee.
3. If you have acid reflux, try taking proton pump inhibitors.
4. Blockage of the nose, if any, can be cleared by using saline nasal spray.

If you do not get better with the above measures, you will have to consult your doctor for a complete evaluation and management.

Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj