Cobblestone throat is a term used by physicians to describe an irritated throat with visible bumps and lumps at the back of the throat. These bumps are caused due to enlarged lymphatic tissue in the tonsils and adenoids, which are pockets of tissue situated in the back of the throat. The tissue usually becomes inflamed or irritated in response to excess mucus present in the throat, Though it looks dangerous, cobblestone throat is often harmless and completely curable.

tonsil

Read this article to know more about what causes cobblestone throat and how to effectively treat this condition.

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Symptoms

Generally, the bumps look red, irritated, or inflamed and have a pebble-like appearance. Other symptoms usually depend on what’s causing cobblestone throat, which include:

  • Persistent dry cough
  • Hoarseness
  • Nausea
  • Bad breath
  • Stuffiness
  • Fever
  • Pain while talking
  • Pain while swallowing
  • Scratchy throat
  • A sensation that there’s something blocked in the throat

Also Read: Sore Throat: Know The Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

Causes 

Cobblestone throat is usually caused by irritation from postnasal drip, which is the extra mucus dripping down the back of your throat. Mucus is produced by glands in the nose and throat, which aids to moisten dry air, cleaning nasal passages, trapping pathogens and averting foreign substances from being inhaled.

But certain health conditions can increase mucus production or make mucus thicker. Postnasal drips occur when this extra mucus gets clogged in the back of the throat, which can result in irritation and cobblestoning in the throat. Some of the factors that can cause postnasal drip include:

  • Seasonal allergies or flu
  • Breathing cold, dry air
  • Smoking or vaping
  • Taking certain medications such as birth control pills
  • Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)
  • Other upper respiratory infections like the flu or a cold are more likely causes.

Can It Be Cancer?

Well, lumps and bumps that appear anywhere on the body can set an alarm for cancer. However, cobblestone throat isn’t considered to be an indication of any type of cancer. If you’re concerned about cancer around the throat, inform your doctor if you have any of the below symptoms, in addition to cobblestone throat, especially if they don’t seem to settle.

  • Ear pain
  • A lump in the neck
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Hoarseness
  • Swallowing difficulty

Diagnosis

Generally, your physician will be able to diagnose cobblestone throat just by examining the throat. Also, they will ask about any additional symptoms other than the bumps. A throat culture is suggested to find out what pathogen is causing cobblestone throat like a virus (most common) or bacteria.

Treatment

The main goal of treatment of cobblestone throat involves treating the mucus-producing health condition that’s causing it. Over-the-counter decongestants are given to treat allergies or infections. Doctors may also suggest using steroid nasal spray. If any medication is causing extra mucus secretion, then talk to your doctor, they may be able to change the dosage or medicine that doesn’t have the same side effects.

If cobblestone throat is linked to LPR, you may need to make some lifestyle modifications to manage your symptoms, including:

  • Shedding weight
  • Quitting smoking
  • Restricting alcohol consumption
  • Limiting intake of acidic foods, such as citrus, tomatoes, and chocolate

Also Read: 5 Home Remedies To Soothe Sore Throat And Cough

Home Remedies

Try some of the following home remedies that may support managing cobblestone throat:

Drink plenty of warm fluids like soup or tea, which may thin mucus or soothe the throat. Gargle warm salt water to thin mucus and filter out allergens like dust, mould, and pollen that are irritating the throat.

Have lozenges that can help you lubricate your throat, cool it and combat bacteria that cause inflammation.

Place a humidifier in your room to add moisture to the air. Also when you inhale, the moisture softens the tissues in the sinuses and helps to thin mucus.

Sleep straight with a pillow supporting lower back to avert mucus from draining the back of the throat and further irritating it.

Take a little honey with ginger, as honey can soothe a sore throat. Even studies reveal that some varieties of honey like Manuka honey can ease inflammation and even fight bacteria.