What are the causes of throat herpes?
Jan 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, throat herpes may be caused by factors such as reduced immunity, oral mucosal injury, herpes simplex virus infection, hand-foot-mouth disease, or Epstein-Barr virus infection. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a hospital promptly and follow standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance. It is also advised to maintain adequate sleep, a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and avoid excessive fatigue in daily life.
Generally, throat herpes may be caused by factors such as reduced immunity, oral mucosal injury, herpes simplex virus infection, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and follow the guidance of a physician for standardized treatment. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Reduced Immunity
Immunity refers to the body's ability to resist pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. When immunity decreases, the body's defense against pathogens weakens, increasing the risk of herpes virus infection in the throat. It is recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, moderate exercise, and avoiding excessive fatigue, to enhance immunity.
2. Oral Mucosal Injury
The oral mucosa serves as the first line of defense in the throat area. When the oral mucosa sustains physical or chemical damage, it becomes susceptible to infections, including herpes virus infection. It is recommended to avoid consuming excessively hot, hard, or irritating foods, maintain good oral hygiene, and regularly brush and rinse the mouth to reduce the risk of oral mucosal injury.
3. Herpes Simplex Virus Infection
Herpes simplex virus infection is usually caused by the herpes simplex virus and mainly spreads through direct contact, such as kissing or sharing eating utensils. When the throat is infected by this virus, mucosal cells become damaged, leading to herpetic pharyngitis and the appearance of herpes in the throat. Symptoms may include fever, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and coughing. Medications such as acyclovir tablets, ribavirin granules, or famciclovir capsules may be used under a doctor's guidance for treatment.
4. Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is usually caused by enteroviruses and primarily spreads through the digestive tract, respiratory tract, and close contact. This disease not only causes rashes and blisters on areas such as the hands, feet, and buttocks but may also affect the throat, leading to the development of herpes. Symptoms may include fever, oral ulcers, pain, and loss of appetite. It is recommended to use medications such as Pudilan oral liquid, ribavirin injection, or vitamin C tablets under a doctor's guidance for treatment.
5. Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Infection
EBV infection is generally caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and primarily spreads through saliva, such as through kissing or sharing eating utensils. EBV infection affects the throat, causing mucosal inflammation and blister formation. In severe cases, multiple organs throughout the body may be affected. Symptoms may include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and skin rashes. Treatment may include medications such as acyclovir injection, ganciclovir dispersible tablets, or valacyclovir hydrochloride tablets, following a doctor's instructions.
It is recommended to maintain adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, moderate exercise, and avoid excessive fatigue in daily life to help improve immunity.
