Swelling of the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat

The Swelling of the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, med. Mucosa, usually occurs as a result of illnesses or side effects of drugs. This causes the mucous membranes to swell, which can lead to sore throats, difficulty swallowing and breathing problems. The swelling of the mucous membranes can be treated well and usually heals without consequences.

What is mucosal swelling?

Especially in the case of allergies, the mucous membranes in the throat can swell so much that breathing is massively impeded.

Mucosal swelling is by definition not a disease. It is a symptom that can occur as a result of illnesses, side effects from drugs, or allergies. The mucous membrane - also called mucosa - is a protective layer inside organs, in the mouth, nose and throat, in the eye and in the genital area.

The mucous membrane has no horny layer and no hair. As the name suggests, the mucous membrane produces mucous substances called mucins. The mucous membrane has an important protective function because it can secrete so-called immunoglobulins (specific antibodies). A swelling of the mucous membrane can result in an increased or decreased production of mucus. The swelling of the mucous membranes is often not restricted to the mouth and throat. Usually the nasal mucous membranes as well as the lower respiratory tract are affected.

Depending on its severity, the swelling of the mucous membranes can cause severe swallowing difficulties and pain. With an increased mucus production, as well as with a pronounced swelling of the mucous membrane, breathing can be impaired, so that it can lead to problems falling asleep and staying asleep, especially at night. Especially in the case of allergies, the mucous membranes in the throat can swell so much that breathing is massively impeded. In extreme cases, swelling of the mucous membranes can result in suffocation.

causes

Swelling of the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat can have various causes. Many drugs or their active ingredients can cause swelling of the mucous membranes as a side effect. Depending on the drug, in addition to swelling, increased or decreased mucus formation can occur.

Bee pollen and grasses can cause swelling of the mucous membrane as a result of an allergic reaction. The mucous membranes swell within a few minutes after contact with the allergenic substance. The mucous membranes swell much faster after insect bites (wasps, bees, etc.). After just a few seconds, the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat can swell so much that the airways are completely closed.

Other causes of swelling of the mucous membranes can be diseases. Mumps, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis, tumors and inflammation of the mouth, nose and throat are just some of the diseases that show swelling of the mucous membranes as a symptom. Viruses and bacteria can also cause swelling of the mucous membranes. Above all, so-called cold or flu viruses settle preferentially in the mucous membranes.

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Diseases with this symptom

• allergy
• bronchitis
• Tonsillitis
• Drug eruption

• mumps
• tumor
• Inflammation of the mucous membranes
• Chronic bronchitis

• Sinus inflammation
• bronchial asthma
• cold
• flu

Diagnosis & course

The swelling of the mucous membranes is diagnosed by a general practitioner or an ear, nose and throat doctor. A detailed anamnesis (medical history) is indicative, as the patients usually report difficulty swallowing or a tightness in the throat.

A visual finding is usually sufficient to confirm the diagnosis. The healthy mucous membrane is well supplied with blood and is light to dark pink in color. If the mucous membranes swell, this can first be recognized by the z. T. dark red color. In addition, the mucous membranes produce more mucus. If the pathogen is to be determined in order to select the right drug for therapy, a mucus swab can be taken. In addition, a blood test is usually done.

The course of a swelling of the mucous membrane depends on its cause. In the case of allergic reactions, the swelling of the mucous membranes can occur within a minute and worsen in a very short time, so that death from suffocation can result. If the swelling of the mucous membranes is treated adequately and in good time, it usually heals without consequences.

For other causes such as B. a disease, it can take anywhere from several hours to several days before swelling of the mucous membranes occurs. There is enough time to treat them from the beginning so that there is no danger to life. In the case of swelling of the mucous membranes caused by colds, this usually heals without any treatment.

Complications

Complications of swelling around the mouth and throat can occur depending on the cause of the condition. Localized swelling of the lining of the mouth and throat caused by infection can lead to the formation of abscesses. Small mucosal injuries are infected with germs and encapsulated, pus-filled foci of inflammation develop.

These can cause pain, pressure, difficulty swallowing, and fever. Food intake can be made difficult. If the swelling persists, malnutrition is a possible consequence. Unclear localized swellings should be examined histologically, as degeneration is possible. An acute, severe swelling of the entire mucous membrane of the mouth and throat area can be caused by an allergic reaction.

This condition is potentially life threatening. The airways can be obstructed by the swelling and death from suffocation. In such an emergency situation, it is often no longer possible to secure the airways through intubation due to the swelling. The attending physician must cut the trachea in order to enable ventilation. If an allergic reaction is treated promptly and consistently, this life-threatening complication can often be prevented.

When should you go to the doctor?

The swelling of the lining of the mouth and throat is a symptom of a disease. Several diseases come into consideration. If the swelling of the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat is a symptom of an allergy, a doctor must be consulted as soon as possible to determine the cause of the allergy.

It can be an allergy to a food or an allergy to a drug that the patient has to take due to another disease. In addition, it can also be an allergy to an insect bite. The cause must urgently be analyzed and identified by a doctor. In the case of a known allergy and the occurrence of swelling of the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, the patient can treat himself with the respective medication, which was prescribed in advance by a doctor.

A doctor's follow-up exam should still be performed, especially if the swelling does not go away despite the medication. In addition, it is important to notify a doctor directly if swelling of the mucous membranes occurs in the mouth and throat, as this can lead to further complications such as breathing difficulties. An ear, nose, and throat specialist can best treat this type of swelling. If the mucous membrane suddenly becomes very swollen with breathing problems, an emergency doctor should be called.

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Treatment & Therapy

Depending on the cause, swelling of the mucous membranes must be treated differently. When the cause is an allergic reaction, time is the most important factor. Treatment must start immediately. Furthermore, a doctor or emergency doctor must always be consulted. With the help of cortisone preparations, the swelling of the mucous membranes is treated so that the airways remain free.

If medication is the cause of the swelling of the mucous membranes, it must be considered whether the medication is actually necessary or whether it is better to stop it or replace it with another preparation.

In the case of illnesses causing swelling of the mucous membranes, the illness itself must be treated. The swelling of the mucous membranes is treated in parallel, but the disease has to be treated successfully so that the swelling of the mucous membranes can be avoided as a result.

A swelling of the mucous membranes should be cooled at the beginning. Ice cubes that are slowly sucked are best. Then the cause of the swelling must be eliminated. A check-up lasting several days is necessary, especially in the case of swelling of the mucous membrane as a result of an allergic reaction. Bee pollen can z. B. in the nose or on clothing.

As long as the decongestant drugs are given, the reaction to the allergen will be suppressed. However, if the medication wears off, the swelling of the mucous membranes may reappear. Therefore, a doctor or a hospital should always be consulted with any swelling of the mucous membranes that is associated with shortness of breath.

Outlook & forecast

The mucous membrane (mucosa) often swells as a side effect of certain drugs. In these cases, the symptoms usually last until the drug is stopped. The swellings then recede quickly.

Hay fever or other allergic reactions can also cause the mucous membrane to swell. Allergic reactions can be treated very well with antihistamines. The symptoms of the allergy then subside quickly after starting treatment. Sometimes an allergic reaction can lead to severe swallowing difficulties and pain. In addition, mucus production can increase significantly. The combination of swelling of the mucous membranes and heavy mucus production can have a massive impact on breathing. Patients then suffer from difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep at night. In rare cases, the mucous membrane in the pharynx can swell so much that there is a risk of suffocation.

If the mucous membrane is swollen due to bacterial or viral infections, this symptom subsides along with the underlying disease. In the case of bacterial infections, the irritations in the mouth and throat can be treated very well with antibacterial lozenges or gargle solutions. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for more severe infections. As soon as these start to work, the swelling of the mucous membranes also subsides. In the case of flu-like infections, on the other hand, only bed rest and warmth help. Drug treatment is usually not indicated here. Antibacterial mouthwashes can prevent secondary infection.

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➔ Medicines for sore throats and difficulty swallowing

prevention

In the case of swelling of the mucous membranes, preventive measures can usually only be taken indirectly. In the case of swelling as a result of allergies, it is important to avoid the allergy-causing substances. As far as possible, you should avoid drugs that cause the mucous membranes to swell. A balanced and healthy diet as well as physical activity are very good measures to strengthen your immune system. In this way, you are less prone to infections, which can lead to swelling of the mucous membranes.

You can do that yourself

Swelling of the mucous membrane in the mouth and throat is often associated with shortness of breath. In this case, a doctor should be consulted immediately. If this does not happen, the person concerned can try to reduce the swelling by cooling. Sucking ice is recommended in the oral cavity. Cooling with cold compresses or cool packs is also recommended locally.

Depending on the underlying cause of the swelling - whether as an allergic reaction to medication or insect bites or as a result of an infection - further measures are possible. Medicines that cause the oral mucosa to swell should be discontinued immediately and the attending physician should be consulted. If insect venom is the trigger for a swelling, the homeopathic preparation Apis can help as an acute remedy. Folk medicine recommends laying onion halves to draw the poison out of the skin. However, cooling is also the first choice. Bee pollen that gets into the nose, eyes and mouth can also trigger swelling of the mucous membranes. For days, pollen settles in clothes and nose. It is advisable to change clothes and use a nasal douche.

As a preventive measure, if you are aware of an allergy, avoid those triggering substances or carry emergency medication with you. With the help of exercise and a healthy diet, the body's own defense mechanisms can be strengthened. Infections, which are accompanied by a swelling of the oral mucosa, can thus be fought better by the body.