Bumps on the Back of the Throat: Causes and Treatments
Worried about bumps on the back of your throat? Learn causes, treatments, and when to see a doctor, plus tips to protect your oral health.
Written by Dr. M L Ezhilarasan
Reviewed by Dr. Shaik Abdul Kalam MD (Physician)
Last updated on 25th Nov, 2025
Introduction: Why Bumps On The Back of Your Throat Matter
Noticing small bumps on the back of your throat can feel unsettling, especially if they appear suddenly or come with discomfort. The reassuring news is that many bumps are caused by common, temporary conditions often linked to infections, allergies, or normal structures within the mouth. Still, some causes require prompt attention, and understanding the difference helps you protect both comfort and long-term oral health.
The throat contains lymphoid tissue, glands, and other structures that naturally appear uneven, especially when activated by an illness. When you become run-down or exposed to irritants, these tissues can swell temporarily, producing a bumpy or “cobblestoned” appearance. Knowing the range of causes, both harmless and serious, helps you make clearer decisions about when simple home care is enough and when a clinician’s evaluation is essential.
Below, you’ll find a detailed look at the most common explanations for throat bumps, how they are diagnosed, safe treatment options and home care, warning signs to never ignore, and steps to prevent future problems.Consult a Top General Practitioner for Personalised Advice
Are Throat Bumps Always a Problem?
Many bumps inside the throat are normal variations that people only notice when using a torch or checking during illness. These include structures that are part of your immune system or play a role in taste and swallowing.
Normal structures that may appear bumpy
- Tonsils and tonsil crypts: Tonsils naturally have grooves and folds, giving them a lumpy appearance even when healthy.
- Lymphoid tissue: Small patches of immune tissue at the back of the throat can look raised, especially when fighting a cold or irritation.
- Circumvallate papillae: Large taste buds near the back of the tongue can be mistaken for throat bumps, but are completely normal.
When does normal become concerning?
If the bumps are new, painful, increasing in size, or accompanied by symptoms such as fever, difficulty swallowing, drooling, hoarse voice, or one-sided ear pain, it’s sensible to seek medical advice. Persistent or worsening symptoms often provide valuable clues to the underlying cause.
Common Causes of Bumps on The Back of The Throat
Common causes of bumps on the back of the throat include:
Viral sore throat and postnasal drip (cobblestoning)
When you have a cold, flu, allergies, or sinus infection, mucus can drip down the back of your throat. This constant irritation leads to swelling of lymph tissue, creating the familiar “cobblestone” look. Symptoms often include a runny or blocked nose, cough, mild fever, or hoarseness. Most cases settle with rest, good hydration, warm fluids, and saline nasal rinses.
Strep throat and bacterial tonsillitis
Strep throat is caused by a bacterial infection and usually starts suddenly. Common features include:
- Severe sore throat
- Pain when swallowing
- Red, swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches
- Fever and swollen neck glands
- A notable lack of cough
A clinician can confirm strep with a rapid test or throat culture. If positive, a prescribed course of antibiotics helps shorten the illness, reduce complications, and limit spread. It’s important to finish the full course, even if symptoms improve quickly.
Tonsil stones (tonsilloliths)
Tonsil stones form when food debris, bacteria, and mucus become trapped in tonsil crevices and harden. Signs include:
- Persistent bad breath
- A feeling of blockage in the throat
- White or yellow lumps in or around the tonsils
Improvement comes from good oral hygiene, warm saltwater gargles, and occasionally gentle removal. Recurrent or large stones may require evaluation by an ENT specialist.
Canker sores and viral blisters
Canker sores, or aphthous ulcers, may appear on the soft palate or near the throat. They present as small, shallow ulcers with a pale centre and a red border. They are not contagious and typically resolve within one to two weeks. Viral infections such as hand-foot-and-mouth disease or herpangina can also cause throat blisters and may appear alongside fever, fatigue, or cold-like symptoms.
Oral thrush (yeast infection)
Oral thrush, a fungal infection, presents as creamy white patches on the tongue or inner cheeks and may extend to the throat. Risks increase if you:
- Recently took antibiotics
- Use inhaled corticosteroids without rinsing afterwards
- Have diabetes or immune suppression
- Wear dentures that are not properly cleaned
Clinicians typically diagnose thrush based on appearance and may prescribe antifungal medication.
Reflux (LPR and GERD)
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) occurs when acid or digestive enzymes travel from the stomach into the throat. Symptoms include:
- Frequent throat clearing
- Hoarse voice
- Lump-in-throat sensation
- Chronic cough
- Cobblestone-like swelling in the throat
Management often includes lifestyle changes such as reducing trigger foods, eating earlier in the evening, losing weight if needed, and avoiding smoking. Some people may require acid-reducing medication.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Certain STIs, including throat gonorrhoea or chlamydia, may cause visible bumps, sore throat, swollen tonsils, or pus. Anyone with a history of oral sex and persistent throat symptoms should be tested. Treatment usually involves targeted antibiotics or antivirals.
Mononucleosis (mono)
Mono, commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, produces:
- Pronounced sore throat with swollen tonsils
- Intense fatigue
- Fever
- Enlarged lymph nodes
Your clinician can diagnose mono with blood tests. Treatment focuses on rest, fluids, and pain relief. People with enlarged spleens should avoid contact sports until cleared by their clinician.
When it’s More Serious: Peritonsillar Abscess or Cancer?
Let us look at the comparison in detail:
Peritonsillar abscess
A peritonsillar abscess is a deep infection beside the tonsil and is considered urgent. Symptoms include:
- Severe, one-sided throat pain
- Fever
- Drooling
- Difficulty opening the mouth wide
- “Hot potato” voice
A visible bulge pushing the uvula sideways
Immediate medical care is essential.
Oropharyngeal cancer
Cancer of the throat can present with:
- A persistent lump
- Unexplained one-sided ear pain
- Long-lasting hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Bleeding
- Unexplained weight loss
Tobacco use, heavy alcohol intake, and high-risk HPV types increase risk. Symptoms lasting over two weeks should be assessed promptly.
How are Throat Bumps Diagnosed?
A clinician will examine the tonsils, tongue, and back of the throat while asking questions about symptoms and exposure. Depending on the suspected cause, they may recommend:
- Rapid strep test or culture
- Swabs for yeast or viruses
- Blood tests for infections such as mono
- STI testing
- Laryngoscopy for persistent or unclear symptoms
- Imaging or biopsy when more serious causes are considered
Correct diagnosis ensures the right treatment and reduces the likelihood of complications.
Safe Home Care and Treatments
Safe home care and treatment options include:
Symptom-relief measures
- Rest and hydration: Warm drinks and water soothe irritation and keep mucus thin.
- Pain and fever relief: Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed, and ask a clinician for guidance if you have other health conditions.
- Saltwater gargles: Gargling warm salt water several times a day eases inflammation.
- Humidifier or steam: Moist air can reduce throat dryness and irritation.
- Honey: A spoonful can calm a cough in adults and children over one year.
- Good oral hygiene: Daily brushing, flossing, and cleaning the tongue help reduce bacteria and debris that can worsen tonsil stones.
When prescription treatment is necessary
- Bacterial infections: Antibiotics specifically prescribed for strep throat or bacterial tonsillitis.
- Oral thrush: Antifungal medicines.
- Severe canker sores: Corticosteroid gels or rinses.
- Reflux: Acid-reducing medication combined with lifestyle changes.
- STIs: Antibiotics or antivirals, depending on diagnosis.
- Peritonsillar abscess: Drainage by a clinician plus antibiotics.
What to avoid
Things to avoid include:
- Taking antibiotics without a confirmed infection
- Scraping or poking the back of the throat
- Smoking or vaping which irritates tissues and slows healing
When to Seek Urgent Medical Care?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing, drooling, or inability to swallow saliva
- Severe one-sided throat pain with fever and a muffled voice
- Neck stiffness, swelling, severe headache, or difficulty opening the mouth
- Signs of dehydration, such as dizziness or very dark urine
- Fever with rash
- Persistent hoarseness, throat pain, or lumps lasting more than two weeks
- Unexplained bleeding or weight loss
- Worsening symptoms if you have a weakened immune system, or if a child or older adult becomes acutely unwell
Prevention Tips to Protect Your Oral and Throat Health
Preventive tips include:
- Wash your hands regularly and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay up to date on recommended vaccines, including influenza, COVID-19, and HPV.
- Manage allergies and sinus congestion to reduce postnasal drip.
- Practise safer sex using barrier protection during oral sex.
- Avoid smoking and vaping; limit alcohol intake.
- Maintain consistent oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and cleaning your tongue.
- Rinse your mouth after using inhaled corticosteroids.
- Avoid late-night meals and reduce trigger foods if you have reflux.
- Schedule dental check-ups and seek medical advice for persistent throat symptoms.
Conclusion
Bumps on the back of the throat can be unsettling, but many causes are minor and short-lived. Viral infections, allergies, postnasal drip, and tonsil stones are among the most common explanations and typically respond well to supportive home care. More serious causes, such as strep throat, peritonsillar abscess, or throat cancer, are less common but important to recognise early. Paying attention to associated symptoms—such as fever, one-sided pain, trouble swallowing, or symptoms lasting more than two weeks—helps guide when to seek medical attention. With good oral hygiene, healthy lifestyle habits, and timely medical assessment when needed, most people recover quickly and prevent future discomfort.
Final note
This guide is for general information and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you’re concerned about new or worsening throat bumps, especially with fever, severe pain, or swallowing or breathing problems, contact a healthcare professional promptly. Using these tips can help you care for your throat and maintain strong oral health.
Consult a Top General Practitioner for Personalised Advice
Consult a Top General Practitioner for Personalised Advice
Dr Suseela
General Physician
5 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru
Dr. Mainak Baksi
General Practitioner
13 Years • MBBS , MD (MPH)
Howrah
Mainak Baksi Clinic, Howrah
(50+ Patients)
Dr. Rajib Ghose
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
25 Years • MBBS
East Midnapore
VIVEKANANDA SEBA SADAN, East Midnapore
Dr. Tapabrata Ray
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
4 Years • MBBS,DGM,CPMeC,ACMDC
Kolkata
MCR SUPER SPECIALITY POLY CLINIC & PATHOLOGY, Kolkata
Dr. Sougata Kumar
General Practitioner
8 Years • MBBS
East Midnapore
VIVEKANANDA SEBA SADAN, East Midnapore
Consult a Top General Practitioner for Personalised Advice
Dr Suseela
General Physician
5 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru
Dr. Mainak Baksi
General Practitioner
13 Years • MBBS , MD (MPH)
Howrah
Mainak Baksi Clinic, Howrah
(50+ Patients)
Dr. Rajib Ghose
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
25 Years • MBBS
East Midnapore
VIVEKANANDA SEBA SADAN, East Midnapore
Dr. Tapabrata Ray
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
4 Years • MBBS,DGM,CPMeC,ACMDC
Kolkata
MCR SUPER SPECIALITY POLY CLINIC & PATHOLOGY, Kolkata
Dr. Sougata Kumar
General Practitioner
8 Years • MBBS
East Midnapore
VIVEKANANDA SEBA SADAN, East Midnapore
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Are throat bumps always an infection?
No. Some bumps are simply lymph tissue or tonsil crypts, especially during or after a cold. High fever, severe pain, or swallowing difficulty should be assessed promptly.
Q.How can I tell if it’s strep throat?
Strep throat usually causes sudden pain, fever, swollen glands, and red tonsils—often without a cough. Testing is required for confirmation.
Q.What do tonsil stones look like?
They appear as small white or yellow lumps in the tonsils. They are usually harmless but can cause bad breath and discomfort.
Q.When should I worry about cancer?
Any persistent lump, hoarseness, pain, or swallowing difficulty lasting more than two weeks should be evaluated—especially with risk factors such as tobacco, alcohol, or HPV.
Q.What home care helps with throat bumps?
Warm fluids, rest, saltwater gargles, humidified air, and over-the-counter pain relief are often helpful. Seek medical care for worsening or persistent symptoms.