A sore tongue and throat can have a number of possible causes.

Most are not serious, such as allergies, minor trauma, and oral thrush.

Sometimes, however, a sore tongue and throat can be a sign of a more serious problem.

Potential Causes of a Sore Tongue and Throat

Jessica Olah / Verywell

Allergies

Allergies to substances such asmold, pollen, dust, or dander cancause a sore throat.

Most of the symptoms occur when the immune system releases a substance called histamine.

A sore throat related to allergies is often a result of another symptom called postnasal drip.

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening illness that requires emergency medical attention.

Why are there red spots on the back of my throat?

Strep throat is known to cause the formation of small red spots in the mouth and throat.

These spots are known aspetechiae.

Trauma

Injuries from a variety of sources can result in a sore tongue and throat.

This happens to people who have GERD (acid reflux).

This is a common cause of sore throat.

You should consult a medical professional if you notice blisters or blackened tissue.

Antacid medications andproton pump inhibitorsare frequently used.

Elevating your head while you sleep can also help with nighttime GERD symptoms.

The causes of burning mouth syndrome can be numerous and difficult to identify.

When a drug is identified as the cause of BMS, a doctor may prescribe a different medicine.

Treatment for burning mouth syndrome depends on the underlying cause.

It may involve:

Treatment will not be the same for everyone.

Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen are not very effective for neuralgia.

Instead, your healthcare provider may recommend:

Surgery may be effective for some people.

Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is an infection of the mouth sparked by a throw in of yeast.

It can cause pain in the tongue and the throat, along with other characteristic symptoms.

Other symptoms include:

Oral thrush is brought on by an overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans.

You are more likely to get oral thrush if:

It is also common for newborns to develop thrush.

Mild thrush can be treated with OTC acidophilus pills.

Eating yogurt may also help restore the healthy balance of bacteria in your mouth.

Tongue Cancer

Oral cancer involving the tongue is one of the most common types ofhead and neck cancer.

Other symptoms may include:

It is not always possible to identify the exact cause of tongue cancer.

This throw in of cancer is highly associated with smoking.

Tongue cancer is highly associated with smoking.

Later stages of the disease usually require several types of treatment.

Summary

Several medical conditions can cause you to experience a sore throat along with a sore tongue.

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National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.Burning mouth syndrome.

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National Institutes of Health (NIH).Burning Mouth Syndrome.

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2020;6(1):66-75. doi:10.1016/j.wjorl.2019.06.001

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