The palate is inflamed and hurts - causes of inflammation and treatment

What is the palate and where is it located in the oral cavity?

As mentioned above, this is a horizontally located partition that separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity. Approximately 2/3 of its surface suggests the presence of a bone base. These are solid processes in the form of plates that have a concave shape and are located in a horizontal position on the upper jaw. They are covered by a thin mucous membrane, which turns into the velum palatine. This is already a muscular formation with a fibrous membrane, also covered with mucous membrane.

The upper palate is the wall located in the mouth from above in the horizontal plane

It is the soft part that represents the barrier between the mouth and pharynx, and on its far edge there is the uvula. The palate is directly involved in the process of chewing food and swallowing, helps in the reproduction of sounds, which makes it an important component of the articulatory apparatus.

Upper palate: anatomical features

The palate is a horizontal partition separating the oral and nasal cavities. It consists of two parts:

1. Solid. Formed by a bone plate, it has a concave shape and a pale pink color. Occupies 2/3 of the sky.
2. Soft. Separates the pharynx from the oral cavity. It has a red color with a pink tint. Occupies the remaining third of the organ.

The palate is covered with a fibrous (mucous) membrane that has many nerve endings. It is she who takes the blow from the influence of unfavorable factors.

Causes and symptoms of inflammation

At the initial stage of the pathological process, primary inflammation is diagnosed. First, blood circulation in the tissues is disrupted, and the person begins to experience moderate discomfort or even pain, which is especially noticeable when touching the palate with the tongue. Slight swelling appears. When the problem enters the stage of secondary inflammation, the pathological process takes over more space, and the pain noticeably intensifies. When the upper palate hurts, there can be a variety of reasons. Let us consider the main prerequisites in more detail.

Infections in the mouth

Infections of a bacterial and fungal nature (candidiasis) can provoke inflammatory processes, including on the mucous membrane of the palate. With this clinical picture, a whitish coating usually appears, painful ulcers, red areas and swelling may appear. If the problem is not addressed in time, the burning and pain will intensify, which will subsequently create serious difficulties in chewing food and swallowing.

The photo shows candidiasis in the mouth

Mechanical, thermal and chemical injuries to the mucous membrane

The palate is easily scratched by hard foods, such as seed shells or crackers. The problem may also be the appearance of a thermal or chemical burn after eating too hot food/drinks or sour, salty, spicy foods. Such microtraumas in conditions of insufficient hygiene become a favorable aid for the formation of pathogenic microflora and infection of tissues. The result will be redness and soreness. The mucous membrane usually swells, ulcers and blisters appear.

Dental diseases

Pathologies such as caries, pulpitis and stomatitis can also lead to the appearance of painful ulcers on the palate and along the entire perimeter of the mucous membrane. The inflammatory process often spreads to the surrounding soft tissues, including the palate and tongue, causing corresponding complications. A similar clinical picture also occurs with severe periodontitis or periodontal disease.

Another possible problem is leukoplakia, the development of which is accompanied by the formation of compactions in the mucous membrane and the appearance of dense whitish plaques, which can also be localized in the palate. The cause of this pathological phenomenon may be trauma, frequent rough mechanical impact on the mucous membrane, excessive smoking and consumption of low-quality alcohol.

The photo shows leukoplakia

Other Possible Prerequisites

In some cases, symptoms of inflammation appear after the installation of metal crowns or braces. Here, the appearance of redness, itching, and swelling can be provoked by the influence of galvanic currents and a corresponding change in the natural environment in the oral cavity. The reason why the soft palate in the mouth hurts may be associated with infectious diseases of the ENT organs.

It should also be noted that adult heavy smokers and those who abuse low-quality alcohol are especially susceptible to frequent dental problems. It also happens that inflammation of the palate is caused by disturbances in the functioning of the submandibular, sublingual and minor salivary glands. Sometimes, as a result of such disorders, various neoplasms arise in the oral cavity - from small benign to serious malignant tumors, including fibromas, papillomas, lymphangiomas and other painful phenomena. In any case, if you suspect a problem, you should definitely contact a specialist.

Diseases of the ENT organs can cause this symptom

Causes of swelling of the soft palate and uvula

The cause of swelling of the soft palate and uvula is associated with a violation of the integrity of the venous plexus located in the uvula, in particular due to the rupture of a vessel in the uvula and infection of the resulting hematoma by opportunistic microflora of the oral cavity (uvula apoplexy).

This could be the result:

• Injury to the uvula by food, as well as during sudden sneezing or coughing, prolonged laughter
• under the influence of cold or other reasons, under the influence of which a hematoma may occur
• injury or compression by a foreign body or instrument
• venereal diseases (primary syphilis - characterized by the appearance of chancre on the tonsils, soft palate and palatine arches; gonorrheal stomatitis - affects the soft palate, palatine suture, lateral surfaces of the palatine vault, dorsum of the tongue)
• A characteristic symptom of diphtheria is vitreous swelling of the soft palate and especially the uvula.
• drinking alcohol the day before and associated dehydration (dehydration) of the mucous membranes
• smoking tobacco in excess of the usual dose, smoking marijuana, spice
• snoring (the tongue can be injured by vibrating in the air stream)
• hereditary angioedema is a very rare, inherited disease
• taking certain medications, for example, so-called ACE inhibitors (captopril, lisinopril, enalopril, etc.)

Often the cause of swelling of the soft palate is the consequences of pharyngitis, tonsillitis and tonsillitis. Therefore, for reliable recovery it is necessary to eliminate the cause of its occurrence, that is, its treatment must be comprehensive.

The nature of the pain and the need to contact a specialist

If the roof of your mouth hurts, the nature of the course of this symptom usually depends on the cause that led to the inflammatory process. To understand what exactly caused this reaction, you will have to seek medical help. If this is simple damage from rough food, the wound may swell for several days, but the sensations will be tolerable, and the discomfort should gradually subside.

To speed up the healing process, experts recommend being careful when eating and rinsing your mouth with a light antiseptic solution or a soothing herbal infusion. You should consult your doctor personally about suitable medications for symptomatic therapy.

If the pain does not go away within 3-4 days and only gets worse, you should definitely visit a dentist. If the situation is ambiguous, the specialist will suggest undergoing a diagnostic examination. To determine the cause of the pathological process, you may have to undergo x-ray diagnostics, as well as visit other specialized doctors, for example, an ENT specialist, an infectious disease specialist, a therapist or an oncologist.

How is differential diagnosis performed?

As mentioned above, if the doctor has doubts about the cause of the symptoms, the patient will have to undergo a differential diagnosis. It is necessary to make a correct diagnosis, excluding all other pathologies with similar symptoms. As part of such a survey, the following activities may be required:

• visual examination and medical history,
• x-ray examination,
• general blood tests and allergy tests,
• consultation of specialized specialists,
• full examination of the body, including ultrasound and CT.

For diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo tests.
But such in-depth diagnostics are not needed in all cases. If the clinical picture is obvious, the doctor will not require additional procedures. However, it is very important to establish an accurate diagnosis, because the further course of treatment will directly depend on it.

What to do if your palate hurts. Treatment methods

First of all, it is necessary to treat exactly what served as the impetus for the development of the pathological process. As part of supportive symptomatic therapy, special solutions for oral baths and mouth rinses are usually prescribed. These may be antibacterial, anti-inflammatory or antifungal agents, depending on the nature of the problem.

Gels and ointments are also often prescribed for external use, with a similar therapeutic effect or, for example, antihistamine action, if swelling, redness and itching are an allergic reaction. If a serious infection occurs, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. It is important to remember that only a professional doctor can select adequate treatment in your particular case.

Various gels may be prescribed for treatment

First aid and treatment of laryngeal edema

If swelling occurs that causes immediate breathing problems, you need to act quickly. Man's main enemy is panic. In this case, in addition to promptly calling doctors, first aid should be provided.

The first step is to free the chest of an adult or child from any load, including clothing. If you are in a panic state, you should try to calm the person down. Next, provide access to fresh air, and, if possible, reduce the ambient temperature. If the cause of swelling is known, for example the effect of a certain allergen, then it should be blocked immediately. Spraying cool water on your face will help relieve the condition5.

Most often, a timely visit to a doctor solves everything, and treatment of laryngeal edema is as effective as possible. Having established the cause of the swelling, the doctor prescribes medications. Depending on the reasons, anti-inflammatory and antiallergic medications (antihistamines) are used. If the cause is a viral or bacterial infection, immunomodulators and antibiotics may be prescribed for the most serious bacterial infection. In case of sharp progression of edema and suffocation, drug therapy is carried out based on antispasmodic and hormonal drugs.

A person with edema should remain completely at rest, eat liquid foods and drink enough water. It is not recommended to talk a lot - you need to minimize all irritating factors. In the most serious cases, surgery may be required.

As you know, disease is easier to prevent. The same applies to laryngeal edema. The most common causes of edema are acute respiratory diseases. Viruses or bacteria enter the mucous membranes of the larynx and begin to act insidiously. Often, this happens due to insufficient strength of local and general immunity.

To maintain local immunity, doctors may prescribe immunostimulating agents. One of these drugs, but with interesting features, is a drug based on bacterial lysates, Imudon®. The effect of the drug is associated with an increase in the number of cells aimed at fighting bacteria and viruses. Imudon® has direct indications for pharyngitis and chronic tonsillitis6.

Imudon® is presented in the form of lozenges with a pleasant taste, which is especially important for children. The drug can be used from three years of age7. This form allows the drug to act at the very site of inflammation and directly influence local immunity.

Instructions

Learn more
Developed with support from Abbott to improve patient health awareness. The information in the material is not a substitute for healthcare advice. Contact your doctor. 1. Babiyak, V. Otorhinolaryngology / V.I. Babiyak, I.B. Vyacheslav // “Peter” - Study guide, manual - 2009 - Volume 2 - P. 13-30. 2. Soldatsky, Yu. Diseases of the larynx / Yu.L. Soldatsky // Pediatric pharmacology - 2008 - No. 2 - Volume 5 - P. 20-25. 3. Trukhan, D. Respiratory diseases. Tutorial. / D.I. Trukhan, I.A. Viktorova // SpetsLit – 2013 – P. 175. 4. Svistushkin, V. Application of contact endoscopy in the diagnosis of diseases of the larynx / V.M. Svistushkin, N.D. Chuchueva // RMJ – 2015 – No. 23 – P.1406-1408. 5. Gurov, A. Local therapy of inflammatory diseases of the pharynx / A.V. Gurov, M.A. Yushkina // RMJ – 2022 – No. 11 – P. 792-796. 6. Luchikhin, L. Efficacy of the drug Imudon® in the treatment of patients with acute and chronic inflammatory diseases of the pharynx / L. A. Luchikhin [et al.] // Bulletin of Otorhinolaryngology - 2001 - No. 3. – pp. 62-64. 7. Instructions for medical use of the drug Imudon® lozenges dated 07/02/2018.

RUS2157722 from 08/19/2020

What drugs are used in different clinical cases

The choice of treatment must be justified by the cause of the problem. So, all the drugs that are prescribed if the palate is inflamed or if the gums also hurt can be divided into 3 large groups:

1. antifungal: these include broad-spectrum antimycotics that effectively combat the development of candidiasis and trichomonas. They are usually prescribed for trauma to the mucous membrane, for stomatitis and thrush - “Levorin”, “Nystatin”, “Candide”,
2. antibacterial: these include antibiotics that specifically prevent the proliferation of bacteria and pathogenic microorganisms. So, for example, “Metronidozole” and “Amoxicillin” can only be prescribed by a doctor, and their help is usually resorted to when there is a serious infection of tissues and an increase in temperature. But antibacterial rinsing solutions are used as maintenance therapy, and these include “Chlorhexidine”, “Stomatofit” and others,
3. antiviral - as a rule, used in the early stages of the disease and for preventive purposes, they suppress the reproduction of viruses. Such drugs include “Acyclovir”, “Oxolin”, “Interferon”1.

Drugs can only be prescribed by a doctor.
Any of the above drugs, and especially antibiotics, can only be taken as prescribed by a doctor. Remember, if suspicious symptoms appear, it is better to consult a doctor immediately. The longer you delay visiting a specialist, the higher your chances will be of encountering very serious consequences and complications.

Gels and ointments for treating inflamed mucous membranes

External agents, which include gels and ointments, are also prescribed to relieve pain and acute signs of inflammation. Below, as an example, are the most effective and popular drugs from this pharmacological group:

• “Nystatin” ointment - it is prescribed for candidiasis. The active ingredients in the composition destroy fungal cells and create a reliable barrier that prevents the further spread of infection,
• "Levomekol" ointment - has an antibacterial effect and promotes tissue regeneration processes. The active components of the product help reduce inflammation and actively fight the population of harmful microorganisms,
• “Solcoseryl” – this product contains an extract of calf’s blood (dialysate), which has a powerful therapeutic effect. The gel restores oxygen metabolism, triggers tissue regeneration processes at the cellular level and promotes collagen production, thereby accelerating damage processes,
• "Cholisal" is an anesthetic gel with a slight cooling effect. Helps relieve swelling and inflammation, destroys pathogenic microflora.

Gels and ointments are prescribed to relieve pain and acute signs of inflammation.
The choice of a suitable remedy remains at the discretion of the attending physician and directly depends on the cause of the development of the inflammatory process in the palate. Before use, you should carefully read the instructions and then follow all the instructions of the treating specialist.

How to eliminate pathology

When it is difficult to determine what triggered the inflammatory process in the mouth and why the palate is swollen, you need to consult a therapist. If necessary, he will refer you to another specialist. Only after a thorough diagnosis will a specialist determine how to treat the inflammation. The choice of technique directly depends on the cause of inflammation. There are several treatment options:

1. Rinsing with antiseptic solutions. For mild forms of pathology, decoctions of chamomile and calendula will help. Doctors often prescribe Chlorhexidine.
2. Use of antifungal solutions and gels. The remedies are in demand for fungal inflammation. These can be drugs such as “Stomatofit”, “Rotokan”.
3. The use of combined-action drugs, for example, "Cholisal-gel" - for severe inflammation and pain, regardless of the cause of its development.
4. Prescription of local or systemic antibiotics. Therapy is indicated when inflammation is accompanied by a purulent process.

If inflammation is accompanied by severe pain, analgesics are prescribed. When allergens, viruses, fungi, and neurological problems are excluded, dental services may be needed.

You cannot self-medicate, as well as put off visiting a doctor. So, with gum disease, the destruction of enamel or the process of loosening of teeth can begin. Only a specialist can correctly determine what to do in each specific case. Therefore, when the first symptoms occur, you should immediately seek help. Timely treatment reduces the risk of side effects to a minimum.

A Brief Overview of Mouthwashes

Pharmacy rinses help relieve acute signs of inflammation, relieve pain and reduce swelling. Among the most effective drugs in this category, experts identify the following medications:

• Chlorhexidine is an inexpensive antimicrobial agent that helps to significantly reduce inflammation and stop the spread of infection. It is recommended to use for rinsing no more than 3 times a day,
• “Stomatofit” is a herbal remedy that helps with gingivitis and periodontitis,
• "Furacilin" - prescribed for inflammatory processes in the throat, palate and oral cavity. Has a pronounced antimicrobial effect and ensures the destruction of pathogenic microflora,
• “Chlorophyllipt” - a composition based on eucalyptus helps to soothe an irritated throat and palate during colds.

Pharmacy rinses help relieve acute signs of inflammation

“For some reason, my palate gets irritated about once every six months. I don't know, maybe it's too sensitive. And it happens that the pain is simply unbearable, you have to swallow painkillers. But in such cases, I usually rinse my mouth with chlorhexidine and after a week everything goes away completely.”

MariaS., from correspondence on the forum www.32top.ru

You should start using any of the drugs described above only after consulting a specialist. First, you should visit your dentist and determine the exact cause of the inflammation.

What does traditional medicine offer?

Some remedies prepared from herbal ingredients based on folk recipes also help relieve inflammation and reduce pain in the palate. Tannins and astringents in their composition have a disinfectant and analgesic effect. The most popular and proven recipes are described below, but it is better to first discuss their use with your doctor.

Calendula tincture

Used for pharyngitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis and fungal infections in the oral cavity. To prepare the tincture, you can dissolve a teaspoon of the product in 200 ml of warm water. Or pour raw calendula flowers with a tablespoon of boiling water, strain and use for rinsing while warm.

Calendula tincture will relieve pain

Chamomile decoction

Soothes, relieves acute inflammation, helps with colds and fungal infections. A tablespoon of dried flowers is brewed in 200 ml of boiling water, allowed to cool, filtered and used for rinsing 3-4 times a day.

Chamomile decoction helps well in treatment

Sage based rinse solution

Recommended for laryngitis, as well as for scratches on the palate, pharynx or larynx. The solution perfectly relieves inflammation and relieves pain. Sage leaves and flowers (1-2 tablespoons) are brewed in 200 ml of boiled water. The product is infused until it cools completely, then filtered and then used for rinsing up to 6-7 times a day.

Oak bark decoction

Effectively relieves bleeding and inflammation, eliminates swelling. To prepare the solution, 2 tablespoons of crushed oak bark are diluted in 200 ml of water and heated in a water bath for 15-20 minutes. Remove, leave to brew for an hour, filter and then use for rinsing 4-5 times a day.

Gargling with a decoction of oak bark will help in treatment

Honey with tea or milk

Honey has an enveloping and soothing effect and effectively fights the proliferation of fungi and the spread of infection. To enhance the healing effects, it is recommended to eat honey with a warm drink or dilute it in tea.

You can relieve pain in the palate and reduce inflammation with the help of a medicinal mixture, for the preparation of which butter and honey should be mixed in equal proportions. The composition must cool completely, after which it can be taken 0.5-1 teaspoon 5-7 times a day.

Tea with honey is used to treat throat

Traditional methods of treating swelling of the soft palate

Among the folk methods for treating edema, rinsing with infusion of herbs and berries should be noted: infusion of garlic, decoction of viburnum, raspberry tincture, tincture of St. John's wort, tincture of sage and thyme and infusion of onion peel.

Garlic infusion

Crush 100 grams of garlic to a pulp (preferably in a garlic press), and add 150 ml of warm boiled water. Leave the mixture for five to six hours at room temperature. Rinse with infusion 5-6 times a day after eating and drinking.

Viburnum berry decoction

Boil 50 grams of dried viburnum fruits in a liter of water for twenty minutes. If you have fresh berries, then take 100 grams of fresh berries.

Raspberry tincture

Add a glass of boiling water to two tablespoons of raspberry stems and leaves and leave for forty minutes. You can add a couple of dry raspberries.

St. John's wort tincture

One hundred and fifty grams of St. John's wort herb is poured into 700 g of vodka and infused for a week. Take forty drops per glass of water orally.

Sage decoction

Add a glass of boiled water to fifteen grams of dry sage and thyme herbs and leave for half an hour.

Possible complications

Severe consequences of the pathological process are possible if you ignore obvious symptoms for too long and do not consult a specialist in time. The following manifestations become frequent accompaniments of inflammation of the palate mucosa:

• increased salivation,
• further spread of the lesion,
• the appearance of bad breath,
• bleeding gums,
• purulent processes.

In severe cases, the body temperature rises and there is a real risk of developing sepsis, that is, a general infection of the body. Such dangerous complications can result from tonsillitis, stomatitis, candidiasis or any other dental disease.

Therefore, if you experience pain in the oral cavity, you should immediately see a specialist. If it is a simple wound, the doctor will recommend suitable disinfectant, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing rinse solutions. If the reason is not so obvious, you will have to undergo a full examination and receive direct recommendations from a specialist.

1Lukinykh L.M. Diseases of the oral mucosa, 2000.

Symptoms accompanying inflammation of the palate

To understand why the palate is swollen and determine what to do, the doctor first analyzes the symptoms of the pathology. Characteristic signs may include:

• pain that gets worse over time;
• difficulty and pain when swallowing;
• swelling and redness - the surface of the mucous membrane becomes hyperemic, when pressed, elasticity is felt;
• white plaque (appears with a fungal infection);
• bad breath;
• erosions and ulcerations on the palate and other parts of the oral cavity;
• fever - more often with throat diseases;
• purulent formations - speak of a sore throat or the penetration of bacteria into injured tissue;
• pain in the teeth or gums - indicates dental problems;
• compactions, tumors;
• general weakness.

With some pathologies, pain can be felt not only in the palate, but also in other parts of the oral cavity. It can also be localized only on one side, for example, with neuritis.