Cobblestone Throat

What is cobblestone throat?

Cobblestone throat involves having inflammation that causes bumps in the back of your throat. It’s a symptom of several conditions like allergies, postnasal drip and sore throat (pharyngitis).

Many people panic when they notice the raised tissue, thinking that the bumps may be cancerous growths. But the bumps are harmless. The “cobblestones” you see in the mirror are fluid-filled tissue that temporarily forms in response to an infection, allergen (something you’re allergic to) or another irritant.

A healthy immune system is good at getting rid of germs or irritants that can cause cobblestone throat. The bumps go away once the cause resolves.

How do I know if I have cobblestone throat?

You can tell if you have cobblestone throat by its name — bumps in the back of your throat that resemble cobblestones or pebbles. The bumps may look discolored, irritated or inflamed. You’ll likely have a sore throat, too.

You might also have:

• Feeling like there’s something stuck in your throat
• Tickly or scratchy throat
• Bad breath
• Dry cough
• Fever
• Hoarseness
• Nasal congestion
• Pain when you talk or swallow

Is cobblestone throat contagious?

Cobblestone throat isn’t contagious, but it may result from a contagious condition. For example, you can pass along a viral infection causing your throat irritation (like the flu) or a bacterial infection (like strep throat). Both viruses and bacteria are contagious and can lead to cobblestone throat. Other causes, like allergies or acid reflux, aren’t contagious. It depends.

The person who contracted the infection may or may not develop cobblestone throat, even if they got the germ from someone who does have it. It depends on each person’s immune response and how irritated their throat gets.

What are the most common causes of cobblestone throat?

The bumps associated with cobblestone throat appear when your tonsils and adenoids become irritated and swollen. Your tonsils and adenoids prevent germs from entering your respiratory passages. Mucus coats these tissues and your passageways to further trap germs.

Sometimes, invaders like viruses bypass these defenses and trigger your body’s immune response. When this happens, the tissue in your throat swells and mucus production increases. The increased mucus helps with flushing out germs. The mucus thickens and trickles down your throat (postnasal drip), irritating your tonsils and adenoids. The bumps in your throat are a sign of this irritation.

You can get cobblestoning in your throat from things like:

• Acid reflux/GERD
• Allergies
• Breathing dry air
• Colds and flu
• Sinus infections
• Smoking or vaping
• STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea
• Upper respiratory infections

COVID-19 is caused by a virus, which means cobblestone throat may result from an infection. Still, cobblestone throat isn’t a common COVID-19 symptom. Common respiratory infections, like the flu or a cold, are more likely causes.

Can HPV cause cobblestone throat?

Many people with cobblestone throat worry that the bumps are cancerous lumps or signs of an HPV infection that may become throat cancer. But cobblestone throat isn’t related to high-risk strains of HPV or throat cancer.

With cobblestone throat, HPV and oral cancer, you may have a sore throat. But neither an oral HPV infection nor throat cancer produces the characteristic bumps associated with cobblestone throat. You’re more likely to notice a lump in your neck or a red or white patch in your throat if you have a high-risk strain of HPV. Often, HPV doesn’t produce any symptoms.

What causes cobblestone throat that doesn’t hurt?

A sore throat often — but not always — accompanies cobblestone throat. The usual causes may be to blame even if your throat doesn’t hurt (like colds, the flu or allergies). It’s also possible that the raised tissue in your throat is a sign of another condition. If your bumps don’t disappear within a week or two, see a healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis.

How is cobblestone throat treated?

You can get rid of cobblestone throat by eliminating what’s causing inflammation and postnasal drip. Often, your immune system can cure viral and bacterial infections on its own. If not, your healthcare provider can recommend or prescribe medications that can help.

You can treat cobblestone throat by:

• Trying sore throat home remedies.
• Taking antibiotics to help clear some bacterial infections.
• Avoiding allergens that trigger your body’s immune system.
• Using over-the-counter (OTC) steroid nasal sprays, nondrowsy antihistamines and decongestants to thin the excess mucus irritating your throat.

How long does cobblestone throat last?

The bumps should disappear within a week or two if a cold or the flu caused the irritation. Cobblestone throat that doesn’t go away may be related to acid reflux, allergies or a nastier germ that your body is having trouble fighting. If the bumps persist, see a healthcare provider.

Can cobblestone throat be prevented?

Consider the following tips to reduce your risk for cobblestone throat:

• Don’t smoke, vape or expose yourself to secondhand smoke.
• Identify and avoid substances that cause your allergies to flare.
• Maintain a lifestyle that includes a nutritious eating plan, physical activity, adequate sleep (seven to eight hours a night) and little stress.
• Take steps to avoid bacterial and viral infections, like avoiding physical contact with people who are sick, masking or social distancing as needed, and washing your hands frequently.

When should cobblestone throat be treated by a healthcare provider?

Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider if:

• Your symptoms worsen after several days of home treatment.
• Your symptoms haven’t improved within a week of managing them at home.
• You have severe throat pain, especially if it’s making it harder to breathe.

See a healthcare provider immediately if you’re caring for an infant you suspect has cobblestone throat.