Red Bumps on Back of Throat: Causes, Care, and When to Seek Help

Understanding Red Bumps on the Back of the Throat

Discovering red bumps at the back of your throat can be alarming. However, in most cases, these bumps are harmless and can be easily treated at home. Read on to learn what causes red bumps in the throat, how to differentiate between viral and bacterial infections, and when you should see a doctor.

What Causes Red Bumps on the Throat?

There are a few common causes of red bumps at the back of the throat:

• Strep throat - Caused by a streptococcus bacterial infection, strep throat leads to swelling and redness of the throat and tonsils. Strep throat accounts for 15-30% of sore throats in children and 5-15% in adults.
• Tonsillitis - Viral or bacterial infection of the tonsils can cause white or yellow coating on enlarged, inflamed tonsils. Viruses cause about 70% of tonsillitis cases.
• Oral thrush - A fungal infection, usually caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast, leads to creamy white lesions on the throat.
• Lingering cold or flu - Viruses that cause the common cold, influenza, mononucleosis, or croup can all result in bumps or swelling of the throat lymph tissue.
• Allergies - Allergic reactions to pollen, pet dander, dust, or foods can trigger swollen lymph nodes or irritated throat tissue.

How to Differentiate Viral vs Bacterial Throat Infections

It's important to determine if red bumps in the throat are caused by a virus or bacterial infection because:

• Viral infections don't respond to antibiotic treatment and usually resolve on their own.
• Bacterial infections like strep throat can lead to complications if not treated promptly with antibiotics.

Here are some clues that can help differentiate between viral and bacterial throat infections:

Viral throat infection signs:

• Sore throat that develops gradually
• Runny nose, sneezing, or other cold symptoms
• No fever or mild fever under 101°F (38°C)
• Swollen neck lymph nodes
• Fatigue, headache, body aches
• Cough, hoarse voice

Bacterial throat infection signs:

• Sudden severe sore throat
• Fever over 101°F (38°C)
• White or yellow spots on the throat and tonsils
• No cold symptoms like runny nose or cough
• Swollen, tender lymph nodes in neck
• Red, enlarged tonsils
• Headache, nausea, vomiting

Keep in mind there can be overlap between symptoms, so when in doubt, see your doctor for an exam and throat swab to test for strep bacteria.

When to See a Doctor About Throat Bumps

In most cases, red bumps in the throat are not a major concern and can be managed with rest and symptomatic care at home. However, you should make an appointment with your doctor if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing liquids
• Severe pain that prevents eating or drinking
• Fever over 101°F (38°C)
• Fatigue, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes
• Rash in addition to sore throat
• Swollen tonsils or uvula
• No improvement after 1 week
• Recurrent bouts of throat bumps/pain

Seeking prompt medical attention is recommended if you have risk factors like a weakened immune system, are pregnant, or have conditions like diabetes or heart disease. Throat infections can progress quickly in younger children, so also have your pediatrician examine any unexplained sore throat or throat bumps.

When It May Be Tonsillitis

Enlarged, red tonsils with white or yellow coating are the hallmark signs of tonsillitis. The infection causes swelling of the tonsils which can make swallowing very painful. Other tonsillitis symptoms include:

• Sore throat
• Difficult or painful swallowing
• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Congestion
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Bad breath

Viral tonsillitis normally resolves within 7-10 days with rest and supportive self-care. Antibiotics are needed for strep throat to prevent complications like abscess formation. Immediate medical care is vital for tonsillitis symptoms like:

• Difficulty breathing
• Drooling
• Severe throat pain
• Inability to swallow any liquids
• Stiff neck
• High fever over 103°F (39°C)

Self-Care Measures for Throat Bumps

Most mild to moderate cases of sore throat and throat bumps can be cared for at home with the following measures:

• Get plenty of rest - Allow your body time to fight the infection by resting as much as possible.
• Stay hydrated - Drink plenty of fluids like water, broths, diluted juices, or electrolyte drinks.
• Gargle with saltwater - Helps reduce swelling and soothe throat pain.
• Use OTC pain relievers - Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can relieve sore throat discomfort.
• Eat soft, cold foods - Popsicles, smoothies, jelly, soup, eggs, mashed potatoes.
• Avoid irritants - Don't smoke or use alcohol based mouthwash.
• Use a humidifier - Adds moisture to the air to reduce throat dryness.

With supportive self-care, viral throat bumps should improve within 5-7 days without needing antibiotics. But be sure to follow up with your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.

When Antibiotics are Needed

For bacterial throat infections like strep throat, antibiotics are often prescribed. Some signs your doctor may decide to prescribe antibiotics include:

• Positive rapid strep test
• Fever over 101°F (38°C)
• Tonsils with yellow/white exudate
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Exposure to confirmed strep throat
• No improvement after several days

The most common antibiotics used for strep throat are penicillins and cephalosporins. It’s important to finish the full antibiotic course as directed, even once you start feeling better. Not completing the antibiotics can lead to recurring infection or complications.

For tonsillitis, doctors may prescribe corticosteroids alongside antibiotics to reduce inflammation more quickly. Severe, recurrent tonsillitis may require surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) to prevent future flare ups.

When to Seek Emergency Care

While most cases of red bumps in the throat are easily treatable at home, some worrisome symptoms warrant immediate medical help, including:

• Trouble breathing - Shortness of breath, wheezing, or gasping for air requires emergency attention.
• Dehydration - Inability to swallow any fluids due to severe throat pain can lead to dangerous dehydration, especially in children.
• High fever with behavioral changes - Fever over 103°F (39°C) along with confusion, stiff neck, or difficulty walking should be evaluated urgently.
• Abscesses - Pockets of pus on the tonsils require drainage to prevent airway obstruction.

Rather than waiting for your doctor’s office to open, go straight to urgent care or the emergency room if any of these alarming symptoms develop. Swift treatment with steroids, antibiotics, and intravenous fluids may be needed.

Keeping Throat Bumps Away

While periodic sore throats and throat bumps are hard to avoid completely, you can reduce your risk by:

• Washing hands frequently
• Avoiding close contact with those who are sick
• Not sharing food, drinks, or utensils
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
• Getting adequate sleep
• Staying hydrated
• Limiting alcohol and tobacco use
• Using a humidifier

Seeing your doctor promptly at the first signs of throat infection allows early treatment if needed. With supportive self-care and proper medical attention when warranted, you can keep throat bumps from turning into a major issue.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.