Herpes in throat is relatively uncommon type of herpes infection. It is associated with certain severe cases of herpes infection. It can be caused by either herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), depending upon the mode of transmission of infection. The symptoms of throat herpes resemble with those of oral herpes. However, throat herpes is more serious condition that could spread rapidly.
Herpes in throat is most commonly seen in immunocompromised people due to health conditions like cancer or AIDS or people with organ transplant. This is an opportunistic infection, in which the virus becomes active when immune system is suppressed.
Causes of Herpes in Throat
Throat herpes is caused by HSV-1 virus. The mode of transmission of virus is through kissing or oral sex with an infected person. Performing oral sex with a person having active genital herpes infection can cause oral herpes. Likewise, a person with oral herpes can cause genital herpes in his partner through oral sex. A person without any visible cold sores also can pass on the virus. In some cases, a person with genital herpes if touches the lesions and doesn’t wash his hands properly, then it may spread the virus to the oral cavity, lips and throat. This mode of transmission of infection is usually seen in the immunocompromised people.
Symptoms of Throat Herpes
Oral herpes can cause sores in the mouth and throat. The fluid-filled blisters may appear on the base or roof of the mouth and near the palate, close to the uvula, back of the throat. They may burst, causing painful scars along the palate. It is accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain and fatigue. A person may find difficulty in eating and swallowing. He may also experience burning sensation in the mouth. In severe cases, a person may experience stiff neck and difficulty in breathing. The symptoms may appear within 2 days to 3 weeks after exposure to the virus.
Treatment for Throat Herpes
Herpes infection is incurable. Once the person is infected with HSV, the infection may reoccur anytime, particularly when the immune system is suppressed. However, the symptoms of recurrent infection are milder comparative to the first outbreak. Prescription antiviral drugs like acyclovir and famciclovir are given to ease the symptoms. Topical antiviral creams are helpful to treat the symptoms of herpes in throat.
Along with this, certain natural herbs like Siberian ginseng, Echinacea purpurea, licorice root can also be effectively used to treat throat herpes infection. This should be combined with nutritious, well-balanced diet to accelerate the healing process. Understand in detail about which foods to be preferred and which to be avoided when treating herpes infection. Drink plenty of water to stay well-hydrated. Since stress and low immunity are the major triggers in acquiring the infection, you should practice yoga, which is a great stress reliever. Regularly practicing yoga can help reduce frequency and severity of herpes outbreaks.
By following some precautionary measures, you can definitely prevent spread of infection. Avoid performing oral sex with a person infected with genital herpes. Also, avoid receiving oral sex from a person having oral herpes. Use of condom is preferable during sexual intercourse to minimize the risk of transmission of infection. Avoid sharing objects like towels, hand napkins, toothbrush of an infected person. Wash your hands thoroughly, when you touch the sores.