Bumps in Back of Throat: Red, White,Yellow, Treat

What does it mean when you have white or red bumps in back of your throat? Explore on the causes, how to get rid of them and best home remedy treatments for throat bumps
If you realize that you have bumps in the back of your throat, they can cause you to be worried. Several conditions can cause white spots or bumps in the throat. Your physician will diagnose the cause of the spots, especially when you combine them with other symptoms you experience. White spots are sometimes a sign of some type of bacteria, but they may also appear on your tonsils. They are unsightly and can cause you to have bad breath.
Irritation is generally the reason for bumps in back of throat. This irritation often causes your body to create mucus and send white cells to the area to fight infection. This activity can cause the throat to appear reddish, as well. From upper respiratory infections to acid reflux or post nasal drip, there are numerous potential causes of the irritation.

What Causes Bumps in Back of Throat

Infection often causes redness found in your throat. You can tell if your tonsils are infected is you have a swelling in your lymph nodes with fever. In addition to infection, other sources may cause the bumps and they may be white in color.
Pharyngitis
This condition affects your pharynx, which is found in the upper respiratory tract. The larynx, sinuses and other vital nasal passages are found here, as well. These structures take outside air to your trachea and then pass it to the lungs. If your pharynx is infected, your throat will be sore with bumps in back of throat.
The usual pharyngitis symptoms include:

  • Sore throat
  • Excessive sneezing
  • Severe headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Heavy mucus in the nose
  • Chills
  • General body pain
  • Fever
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
  • Swollen tonsils with red bumps

Strep Throat
This condition is brought about by a throat infection caused by bacteria. It will cause your throat to be sore and itchy.
Strep throat signs include, issues when swallowing food, throat pain, red spots on the roof of the mouth, swollen lymph glands in the neck, tonsil swelling with white patches, vomiting, in children, high fever, fatigue and tiredness.
The symptoms generally indicate infection. You may have a few of these symptoms and still not have strep throat, since they are common to other diseases too. Your physician can test for strep throat, and will not conclude that you have strep throat by your symptoms alone.
Oral Candidiasis
This is brought on by Candida yeast, in people with a weakened immune system. Once Candida yeast has entered your body, it establishes colonies, manifested in the white spots in the mucus membranes in the cheeks. Earlier on, this condition will not cause pain. If not promptly treated, however, it will often spread back to the tonsils, causing white bumps in back of throat.
Tonsil Stones
They are known to look like white specks over the tonsils. They can sometimes be less visible sometimes. The condition causes difficulty in swallowing food, in addition to pain in the throat. A metallic taste and bad breath can also be brought about by tonsil stones. The stones themselves appear resulting from bacteria in the tonsillar crypts or due to mucus and hardened food particles becoming stuck in them.
Oral (Throat) Herpes
Herpes virus, as it is known, may cause sores. They usually begin at the lips, before spreading inside to your mouth and your throat. This is an infectious condition, and is spread through oral sex. It causes white bumps in back of throat, and fever blisters upon the mouth and lips.
Infectious Mononucleosis
The symptoms involved with this condition include modifying of the chemical composition of the blood, along with throat soreness, a high fever and lymph node swelling. This condition can lead to a dark red coloring of the throat, in addition to white spots that look like bumps in the back of the throat. The pain level can be high. This disorder can cause other problems by creating abscesses in the throat, and it can be quite dangerous to your general health.
Post Nasal Drip
If your nose is blocked, the mucus cannot get out through that avenue. It finds another route to get out, running down the back of your throat. The heavy mucus flow may irritate the throat in some cases.
Tonsillitis
This condition usually results from a bacterial infection or other type of virus. Its main symptoms are swelling of lymph nodes and tonsils, high fever, neck pain, issues with swallowing food and white specks on back of your throat.
Allergic Rhinitis
You may have heard of this condition by its informal name, hay fever. The symptoms are quite similar to those of allergies. They include sinus pressure, excessive sneezing and runny nose. Hay fever actually begins when your body reacts to allergens like pollen or pet dander, and not a bacteria or virus. The irritation of rhinitis may sometimes cause redness and swellings, making it appear as though you have bumps in back of throat.
Streptococcal Angina
Infections in the Streptococcal family include Streptococcal pharyngitis, which bring on this condition. In addition to creating bumps in the throat area, it also brings with it symptoms including overwhelming fatigue, a high fever, pain when you eat, itching and white spots near the back of the throat. This condition is severe, since it may lead to rheumatism or rheumatic fever. These can cause heart problems and joint issues.
Syphilis Infections
Syphilis can cause red or white bumps in back of throat too. Other symptoms include malaise, joint pain and body sores.

Action should you Take

Most importantly, keep yourself highly hydrated. This will ensure a stronger immune system. Gargling with warm salt water helps to flush debris or bacteria that are in the area of the tonsils. Salt also reduces inflammation. These are only very general treatment recommendations.
If your problem does not improve when you try them, consult your physician to conduct a test. He or she will find the cause of the bumps in back of throat and recommend a treatment course for that disease. In the case of strep throat, however, treatment will include a course of antibiotics.

Are White Bumps in Throat Dangerous?

The tonsils are usually pink in color but if they turn white, red and swollen, they could be infected. If you have infected tonsils, you might also symptoms such as sore throat, fever and swollen lymph nodes. Sometimes white or yellow patches form on the tonsils. These can be a sign of strep throat, though viruses may also be the cause.
However, the majority of these infections are caused by viruses, so antibiotics will not be effective. If you have been near someone who has had strep throat, or if your symptoms do not get better over several days, your doctor may advise an office visit.
The Tongue and Soft Tissues of the Mouth
The tongue can become inflamed, causing red bumps in back of throat. These red bumps may or may not be painful and can be caused by fungal infections or some specific vitamin deficiencies. The tongue and soft tissues in the mouth can also develop ulcers. The area around these blisters can become raised, sore and red.
Viruses are a common cause, but certain medical conditions, such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease, can also be the cause of the problem. If the area in the back of your throat does not heal on its own, contact your doctor for an evaluation.
Abscesses
Some infections may lead to abscesses in the back of the throat. These are pockets of infection that are filled with pus and debris. These abscesses are usually red and can become so large they block the airway and make it hard to breathe. They can form inside or around the tonsils. They can also form around teeth or in the soft tissue of the mouth.
Fever, sore throat or swollen lymph nodes may also be presented. More serious symptoms, such as drooling, shortness of breath, or difficulty closing your mouth, require immediate medical attention.
What You Can Do
Though red bumps in back of throat may have different causes, treatments may be similar.

  • It is important to be well hydrated during suspected infections to keep your immune system strong.
  • Salt water gargles can help to remove debris or bacteria that could get stuck in the tonsils and it can as well decrease local inflammation in the mouth.
  • Your doctor might recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain and fever, if they are needed.
  • If these measures do not provide help, your doctor may recommend further testing and other treatments depending on the cause of the red bumps.

Should you worry about Raised Bumps on Back of Throat

Strep throat is caused by streptococcal bacteria in the throat and often the tonsils. Symptoms include sudden severe sore throat, pain swallowing, a fever, swollen tonsils and lymph nodes, and white or yellow spots or a reddened back of the throat.
Strep throat is highly contagious, with a two-to-five day incubation period. It can be diagnosed through a physical examination and a throat culture. Strep throat is treated with antibiotics and usually resolves in three to seven days, although the healing time can be up to two weeks. It is important to have strep throat diagnosed and begin treatment as soon as possible in order to prevent its spread to others.
Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils located in the back of the throat on both sides of the tongue. Tonsils are part of the body’s natural immune system. This tissue captures bacteria and viruses to either prevent them from entering the body or trigger the appropriate immune response. The back of the throat may appear red or swollen or have a white or yellow coating covering the tonsils.
The adenoids may also be inflamed and swollen, impeding swallowing and/or breathing. Symptoms include a severe sore throat, painful or difficult swallowing, coughing, headache, fever, chills and swelling of the cheeks and neck. Tonsillitis may also be caused by strep throat. Antibiotic medication is generally prescribed to treat the inflammation.
Tonsillitis usually resolves in four to seven days if caused by a virus. Chronic cases of repeated tonsillitis may require surgical removal of the tonsils and/or adenoids. An adenoidectomy may also be recommended for children experiencing chronic ear infections.
The larynx allows air to pass in and out of the lungs while preventing solids and liquids from entering the lungs. The larynx also contributes to sound production by the vocal cords. Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx, the top portion of the windpipe.
It is characterized by hoarseness, coughing, difficulty in breathing for some children and, occasionally, loss of voice. In addition to an infection, laryngitis may be caused by acid reflux or nodules, polyps or nerve damage on the vocal cords. Laryngitis usually heals by itself within two weeks with the help of increased air moisture, drinking plenty of fluids and resting the voice.
If you have a sore throat that causes pain or won’t heal, please contact our office and schedule an appointment with one of our Otolaryngologists.

What does Yellowish Bumps on Back of throat mean

Also known as fever blisters; cold sores are fluid-filled blisters that form on the lips or around the mouth. They are usually caused by the herpes simplex virus, and are both contagious and painful. Fever, sunburn, trauma, hormonal changes or emotional upset can trigger their appearance.
While there is currently no cure, cold sores which appear with yellow color can be treated with prescription ointments to help alleviate the pain. It is also important to wash your hands frequently and avoid sharing personal products to help prevent the spread of the infection to other people.
Also known as oral thrush, this mouth sore is caused by a fungal infection. Painful red and cream-colored patches form on moist areas of the mouth. Candidiasis can cause difficulties with swallowing and taste. It is most commonly seen by denture wearers or people who have problems with their immune systems. Sometimes it occurs as a result of an unrelated antibiotic treatment, which can decrease normal bacterial development in the mouth. Saliva substitutes and antifungal creams are used to treat candidiasis.

How about when Bumps on Back of your Throat are Red

Red bumps in the back of the throat can be part of your normal or a sign of a medical condition. Tonsils sit in the back of your mouth on either side of your tongue and in some people, they can be naturally large.
They usually have grooves in them, giving them a bumpy appearance. The tongue can have large taste buds that can also appear like bumps in the back of the throat.
Any of these areas can appear pink or red. However, there are times when the appearance of red bumps may be the sign of a problem, and you will need to consult your doctor.
Though red bumps in back of throat may have different causes, treatments sometimes are the same. It is recommended that you take a lot of water during suspected infections to keep your immune system on strength.
You can as well take some warm water and add in some salt, and then gargle it. This can help to remove debris or bacteria that may have stuck in the crevices of your tonsils. Salt is also known to decrease local inflammation in the mouth in general.
Your dentist may recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen which may help to relieve pain and fever, if needed. If all these activities will not offer help, you may be required to go for further examination and other treatments depending on the cause of the red bumps in back of throat.

How to Get Rid of Bumps in Back of Throat

Although bumps in back of your throat are normal, there is a reason to worry when you notice big, red or white bumps forming in your throat. There are many conditions that associate such symptoms, therefore investigation is important to know the causes and hence treatment.
Most of the time, the doctor says that there’s just a little inflammation, and it’s nothing to worry about. But other times, there may be a red or white bump in the back of the throat that can signal a serious health problem.

Home Remedies 

It is best to treat the underlying cause when there are bumps in back of throat, so testing may be required. The following are remedies that can help treat the red or white bumps in your throat:
Gargling with Salt Water
This is an effective way to remove bumps in the throat. Stir half a teaspoon of Celtic sea salt into a full glass of warm water. Gargle for about 30 seconds, and then spit the water out. It is a good idea to gargle salt water after each meal, and of course until the bumps in your throat is no longer a problem.
Detecting Food Allergies
Many people suffer from hidden food allergies, especially when oral thrush is an issue, allergies are another potential cause of bumps in back of throat. Common food allergies include dairy, wheat, gluten, eggs, shellfish, and peanuts. Good ways to detect food allergies include an elimination diet or an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Herbal Remedies
There are several herbs that are beneficial for sore throats due to bumps in back of throat. Evidence suggests that the South African geranium is useful for common cold symptoms such as a fever, coughing, and a sore and scratchy throat. There are also herbs that can treat candida overgrowth, especially plants that contain the alkaloid berberine such as goldenseal, barberry, Oregon grape, and goldthread.
Licorice root is another useful herb with immune-boosting properties that reduces throat inflammation. Other herbs with antifungal and antibacterial properties include garlic, oregano, and pau d’arco.
Homeopathy
This can also benefit those with sore bumps in the throat. For instance, APIs mellifica may be prescribed when a person has swollen throat, swollen and red tonsils. The person may also experience a burning or stinging pain that feels worse when drinking warm liquids and better when eating ice or drinking cold liquids. Other homeopathic remedies that may benefit those with bumps in the throat include sulphur, Phytolacca, and belladonna.
Probiotics
An imbalance of good bacteria in the body can lead to Candida overgrowth, oral thrush, and a sore and swollen throat from poor immunity. High-quality probiotic supplementation can help counter the effects from an impaired immune system and balance the body’s bacteria to treat and prevent immune and Candida-related issues. Consult a health practitioner for a probiotic and dosage recommendation. Also include probiotic rich foods, such as yogurt, to your diet.

How to Prevent

There are also a number ways to prevent bumps in the back of the throat, including the following:

  • Dietary restrictions:

Sugar and dairy contribute to mucus production and promote the overgrowth of Candida. Restricting the intake of both foods can help prevent bumps in the throat due strep throat or oral thrush.

  • Proper oral hygiene:

Proper oral hygiene is always a good idea. It can help prevent white throat bumps, especially when oral candidiasis is the cause. Brush your teeth and gums after every meal, clean your tongue with a metal or copper tongue scraper, and use a natural antibacterial herbal mouthwash.

  • Keep well hydrated:

Drink a glass of water at least every couple of hours. It’s also best to avoid alcohol and caffeine, since they will make you dehydrated. Consume liquid foods that help boost the immune system including fresh vegetable smoothies and juices, and bone broths.
More references

  1. Red bumps at the back of the throat: http://www.livestrong.com/article/314448-red-bumps-at-the-back-of-the-throat/
  2. Red bumps at the back of the throat: http://www.livestrong.com/article/314448-red-bumps-at-the-back-of-the-throat/
  3. Treating bumps in the back of the throat: http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/respiratory-articles/bumps-in-back-of-throat