Have you been wondering, ‘what are the bumps in the back of my throat?’ You could be dealing with cobblestone throat or tonsillitis.
What Are the Bumps in the Back of My Throat?
If you’ve been feeling discomfort in your throat and have noticed red bumps in the back of the throat, you may be wondering what they are. Many people have experienced this issue at some point, and the cause can vary. You may be experiencing a buildup of mucus or inflamed lymphoid tissue. Thankfully, there are ways to safely identify and treat these issues before they become problematic.
Two of the most common causes of bumps in the back of your throat are cobblestone throat and tonsillitis.
What Is Cobblestone Throat?
Cobblestone throat is an uncomfortable ailment that causes bumps in the back of your throat. These are often pebble-shaped and can appear red or white, depending on what has caused the condition. The bumps are caused by enlarged lymphatic tissue in the adenoids or tonsils, which are small collections of tissue at the back of the throat.
The condition is usually relatively harmless and can go away quickly with the correct treatment and care. Two common causes of cobblestone throat are a postnasal drip or pharyngitis.
Postnasal drip is a common condition that occurs when mucus builds up in the back of the nose and throat. Excess mucus typically results from inflammation, a cold, the flu, allergies, sinus infection, or other respiratory illnesses. Symptoms of postnasal drip include a sore throat, coughing, hoarseness, bad breath, nasal congestion, and an itchy feeling in the throat.
Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the throat, usually caused by bacterial or viral infections. Symptoms of pharyngitis include a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and a fever. Severe cases can also cause swollen tonsils, redness in the back of the throat, and a white coating on the tissue lining the mouth.
Symptoms of Cobblestone Throat
Along with noticeable bumps in the throat, you might be experiencing some of the following symptoms:
- A dry cough
- A sore throat
- Bad breath
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Nasal congestion
- Nausea
- A fever
- The urge to frequently clear your throat
- The sensation of something being stuck in your throat
Remedies for Cobblestone Throat
Treatment for cobblestone throat is going to depend on its cause. You should visit a walk-in clinic like AFC to receive the necessary treatment, although there are some ways to ease your discomfort.
- Gargle salt water
- Drink warm liquids
- Suck on soothing lozenges
- Use a throat-numbing spray
- Get over-the-counter pain medications
- Use a humidifier
- Eat honey to soothe your throat
While red or white bumps in your throat may be from cobblestone throat, you may also be experiencing a tonsil infection or tonsillitis.
What Is Tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is an infection or inflammation of the tonsils, located at the back of the throat. This ailment can be caused by various bacterial and viral infections such as strep throat (streptococcal bacteria), influenza virus, or adenovirus.
While treatment is sometimes limited in the case of viral infections, in some instances, antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial infections.
Symptoms of Tonsillitis
If you think you might have contracted tonsillitis, you’ll be experiencing some, or all, of the following symptoms:
- A very sore throat
- Pain when swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Bad breath
- A fever and/or chills
- An earache
- A stomachache
- Swollen lymph nodes
Tonsillitis is most often caused by viral infections, in which case the best way forward is to manage your symptoms and let your body recover from the condition.
Remedies for Tonsillitis
Here are some ways to ease discomfort and help your body recover.
- Get plenty of rest
- Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
- Gargle salt water several times a day
- Use throat lozenges to ease any pain or discomfort
- Use over-the-counter medications to manage pain
Head to an AFC Walk-In Clinic for Treatment
Visiting an AFC urgent care walk-in clinic is the best option for those who need convenient and affordable treatment quickly. At our clinics, you can expect to receive quality medical care services treating a wide range of injuries and illnesses. Our knowledgeable care teams at AFC walk-in clinics will ensure that your health needs are taken care of promptly and efficiently.
Are you experiencing symptoms of cobblestone throat or tonsillitis? Head to one of our AFC centers to receive convenient and affordable healthcare services.
