Throat ulcers are sores in the back of the throat that develop when acid from your stomach backs up into the throat. Throat ulcers are painful and make eating and swallowing difficult. Treatments are available to help heal painful throat ulcers.
Change your eating habits and avoid spicy foods. Spicy foods such as hot sauce or hot peppers create excess stomach acid that bubbles back up into your throat creating ulcers. Spicy foods may aggravate already painful ulcers. Do not eat or drink extremely hot items, as they may irritate sores. Avoid drinks containing acid such as alcohol and citrus juices.
Ask your pharmacist about over-the-counter medicated mouthwashes. Medicated mouthwashes destroy harmful bacteria in the throat and help heal ulcers. Gargle twice a day with mouthwash or as often as shown on the product.
Use over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen to alleviate throat ulcer pain.
See your doctor when throat ulcers do not go away with conservative treatment or throat becomes so inflamed it is difficult to eat or breathe. Your doctor examines your throat and prescribes antibiotic treatment if he feels ulcers have become infected. He may also prescribe a stronger antibacterial mouthwash for you to gargle with.
Tip
Cold fluids or ice cream may be easiest to eat with throat ulcers, as they tend to numb the sores. Drink as much as you can to avoid dehydration.
Warning
See your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if breathing becomes difficult. Throat ulcers may become inflamed enough to cut air supply.
