Is a dry and sore throat a sign of mouth ulcers?

Jun 28, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My wife said she has had a sore throat recently and feels like she has a mouth ulcer. Her throat is dry and painful. Could this be a mouth ulcer?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
A dry and sore throat is not necessarily caused by oral ulcers, although oral ulcers may sometimes lead to throat pain. Oral ulcers primarily occur on the mucous membranes inside the mouth, including the lips, palate, tongue, and cheeks. They are characterized by round or oval painful sores surrounded by a red, inflamed halo and a burning sensation. In contrast, a dry and sore throat can be caused by various factors, including but not limited to dry environments, excessive talking, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis. Additionally, the prevalence of oral ulcers ranges from 10% to 25%, and they commonly affect individuals aged 10 to 30 years, with a higher incidence in females than males. Therefore, when experiencing a dry and sore throat, one should consider various potential causes and seek medical evaluation promptly to determine the exact cause and implement appropriate treatment measures.