Cobblestone throat describes the bumpy, cobblestone-like texture of inflamed tissue in the back of the throat.
Tharakorn / Getty Images
What Is Cobblestone Throat?
The bumps take on the appearance of a cobblestone road, hence the term “cobblestone throat.”
Tharakorn / Getty Images
Healthcare providers sometimes use the term when referring topharyngitisor sore throat.
When is a sore throat an emergency?
In many cases, inflammation and sore throat are stand-alone symptoms that can last for up to two weeks.
Acute pharyngitis is often resulting from viral or bacterial infections.
Recurrent viral and bacterial infections can cause chronic sore throat.
However, chronic conditions likeallergies,acid reflux, and chronic mouth breathing are more often to blame.
Although rare, sore throat can also be a sign of head and neck cancer.
What Causes Cobblestone Throat?
Could It Be COVID-19?
The same variant can cause different symptoms in each infected person.
It’s important to rule out other causes, too.
Is Cobblestone Throat Contagious?
Cobblestone throat is a symptom, so it is not contagious in itself.
However, some of the conditions that lead to cobblestone throat are contagious.
Bacterial infections like strep and viral infections like COVID-19can all be passed from person to person.
Your healthcare provider may be able to diagnose the cause of your symptoms with a simple throat exam.
Cobblestone Throat Treatment
There isn’t a specific treatment for cobblestone throat.
A viral infection usually clears on its own, although healing may take a few weeks.
How long does cobblestone throat last?
Your healthcare provider can help you identify a cause and find proper treatment.
Sore throats can be brought on by bacterial or viral infections or result from other illnesses or irritations.
Talk to your healthcare provider if your sore throat isn’t getting better after two to three weeks.
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