Are Throat Ulcers And Covid-19 Related?

The current tide of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus infection causing covid-19 is hitherto burning. However, the research teams are carrying out varied clinical examinations locating more probable symptoms of covid-19. One of the symptoms reported is ulceration of the throat. Although it is a rare sign of covid-19 infection, many health experts are catching on the relatedness in throat ulcers and covid-19 so, let us see the relationship between throat ulcers and covid-19 to get clarity.

What Are Throat Ulcers?

Throat ulcers are small open round sores that evolve in the throat causing affliction and pain while speaking and swallowing. The sores may develop in the oesophagus that connects to your stomach. The sores are reddish from the outside and swollen. The other symptoms of throat ulcers are swollen neck ganglia, fever and malaise. In case of critical symptoms, the strained tissues may obstruct the air passage turning the condition fatal leading to life-threatening situations.

Causes Of Throat Ulcers

There may be many causes for throat ulcers. The grounds on which throat ulcers may occur are:

• Radiation treatment
• Chemotherapy
• Oropharyngeal cancer
• Herpangina
• Bacterial infection
• Viral infection
• Bechet syndrome
• Gastroesophageal reflux diseases
• Frequent use of alcohol
• Regular use of certain medicines
• Immune deficiency virus
• Excessive vomits
• Infection in oesophagus
• Excessive talking and singing
• Repeated upper respiratory tract infections
• Weak immune system
• Acidic food
• Spicy food
• Stress

Are Throat Ulcers, The Symptom Of Covid -19?

Several covid-19 positive patients have proclaimed the occurrence of throat ulcers as one of the symptoms. However, it is not clear whether covid 19 instantaneously causes ulcers or it depletes the immunity making you more vulnerable to develop other infections such as this. Ulcers in the mouth and throat are possible symptoms of many bacterial and viral infections that develop during covid-19. Numerous groups of ulcers have been associated with the covid 19 virus. As yet, few cases have been published of covid-19 with ulcers. A report of studies in Dermatology Therapy constituted only 22 registered cases of people with covid-19 who developed ulcers. As per the research conducted by various health departments, there is a possibility of covid -19 in some of the reported cases of throat ulcers. However, cases of covid-19 possible cases with throat ulcers are very rare.

Cases Of People With Throat Ulcers And Covid -19

In a case study, as per the American Journal of Gastroenterology, a case of a 63-year-old man was reported whose only covid -19 symptom was the ulcers in his throat. The most common signs of covid -19 are fever, cough and fatigue. Encountering ulcers with a lack of any flu symptoms is not likely to be a sign of covid-19. The case studies have reported mouth and throat ulcers in covid-19 patients. Many pieces of evidence showcase that in the majority of instances ulcers takes place due to a secondary infection resulting from an imperilled immune system. Several cases have been recorded in 2020 where the patient suffering from throat ulcers is positive with covid-19 infection. One more case was recorded by the research team that examined a 38-year-old male with covid 19 a positive report who developed an ulcer on his left tonsil. Likewise, many covid positive cases are registered that may develop throat ulcers. According to health experts, it is crucial to recognize the correct diagnosis of the sickness and not just consider every throat ulcer as the covid-19 infection.

Tips To Prevent Throat Ulcers

Various throat ulcers are very hard to prevent like ulcers caused by cancer. The throat ulcers caused by other regular reasons can be treated with proper treatment and medication.

Certain guidelines are to be followed for the prevention of throat ulcers are;

• Eating a healthy balanced diet
• Exercising regularly
• Avoid the intake of medicines that evoke ulcers in the throat
• Avoid smoking
• Avoid spicy food
• Frequent alcohol consumption should be avoided
• Maintaining mouth
• Avoid acidic foods like lemon, pineapple, orange etc.
• Regular gargling with lukewarm water

When To Visit A Doctor

Throat ulcers don’t go away in one or two days. Acquiring medical attention is the immediate requirement if ulcer symptoms are developed. You should seek prompt medical care for acute symptoms like blocked airway, choking or difficulty in breathing which may turn the lips blue accompanied by fast heart rate. If not treated on time, it may lead to death.

You need to visit the doctor in case you develop the following symptoms;

• Rash
• Heartburn
• Decreased urination
• Fever
• Chills
• Painful swallowing
• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain
• Cough
• Vomit
• Constipation
• Swelling of neck ganglia

Following the correct treatment and keeping the guidelines in mind will help to cure throat ulcers and covid-19 in the best way possible.

Sudheendra Reddy

Sudheendra is a passionate blogger for 8 years and holds a Degree in Journalism & Mass Communications. His writings particularly focus on health, medicine, diet & lifestyle. For him, everything that interlinks and relates to health & medical world entices him. His write-ups aim at educating people not by just giving facts but by infusing human touch.