A rare case of acute multiple throat ulcers caused by gastric acid reflux

Abstract

We experienced a rare case of acute throat ulcers that was thought to be caused by gastric acid reflux. The case was a 27-year-old man who became aware of a sore throat on the day after experiencing frequent vomiting episodes and impaired consciousness due to heavy drinking, and developed pharyngeal mucositis and white mucosal lesions. He was treated with antibiotics and steroids for acute epiglottitis, and his subjective symptoms and local findings improved. However, this case showed findings that did not match the typical cases of acute inflammation caused by bacterial infection. Based on the medical history, characteristic mucositis, and histopathological examination after discharge, we determined that the cause of acute inflammation was mucosal injury due to gastric acid reflux. Gastric acid reflux is considered to be one of the causes of multiple throat ulcers.