Finding red spots in the throat can be concerning, though they often signal common, treatable issues. Understanding potential causes helps determine appropriate next steps.
Common Reasons for Red Spots
Viral infections frequently cause red spots in the throat, often alongside other symptoms. The common cold or flu, for instance, can lead to a sore throat and general redness. Some viral infections, like viral pharyngitis, directly inflame the throat, potentially presenting with red spots. Hand, foot, and mouth disease, primarily caused by Coxsackievirus, is another viral illness known to produce red blisters or ulcers in the throat, as well as on the hands and feet. These lesions can appear as blister-like formations, making swallowing difficult.
Bacterial infections are also a common cause of red spots in the throat, with strep throat (Streptococcal pharyngitis) being a notable example. This infection, caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, can manifest as tiny red spots, known as petechiae, on the soft palate or the back of the throat. Strep throat typically presents with a sudden, severe sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Tonsils may also appear red and swollen, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus. A related condition, scarlet fever, caused by the same bacteria, can also lead to red spots in the mouth and throat, along with a characteristic sandpaper-like rash on the body.
Beyond infections, other irritants can contribute to throat redness and the appearance of small red spots. Post-nasal drip, often a symptom of allergies, can cause chronic irritation in the throat as mucus drains down the back of the throat. Similarly, general throat irritation from factors like dry air, persistent coughing, or acid reflux can lead to inflammation and visible redness or small spots.
Less Common Causes of Red Spots
Fungal infections, while less frequent, can also lead to red spots in the throat. Oral thrush, or candidiasis, typically presents as white patches inside the mouth and on the tongue. Scraping these patches can reveal underlying red, irritated areas that may bleed, which might be mistaken for primary red spots.
Physical strain or trauma to the throat can cause small red spots. Forceful actions like intense coughing or severe vomiting can lead to tiny blood vessels in the throat breaking. This results in petechiae, pinpoint red spots caused by small hemorrhages. These spots are a physical reaction to pressure, not an infection.
Other viral conditions can also present with red spots or lesions in the throat. Infectious mononucleosis, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, can lead to a very red throat, sometimes with white spots or pus on the tonsils. It may also cause tiny red spots (petechiae) on the roof of the mouth. Herpes simplex virus can cause painful sores, blisters, or ulcers in the throat and mouth, making swallowing difficult. While more commonly associated with cold sores around the lips, the virus can affect the throat.
When to Seek Medical Care
It is advisable to seek medical attention if red spots in your throat persist for more than a few days, worsen, or are accompanied by severe pain. Prompt evaluation helps identify the cause and ensure appropriate treatment.
Certain accompanying symptoms warrant a doctor’s visit. These include a high fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or severe throat pain that makes it hard to eat or drink. The presence of a rash elsewhere on the body or significant swelling in the neck also indicates a need for medical assessment.
For infants and young children, specific signs should prompt medical consultation. Refusal to eat or drink, extreme fussiness, or any signs of dehydration, such as reduced wet diapers or lethargy, are serious concerns. Observing these behavioral changes is important, as children may not articulate symptoms clearly.
If concerned or unsure about the cause, consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and guidance.