Cobblestone throat refers to an irritated throat where small bumps form at the back, creating an irregular "cobblestone" texture. These fluid-filled lumps occur as the lymphatic tissue reacts to an allergen, irritant, or infection, working to clear the material. Some people even call these bumps “vumps,” since they seem to crop up after heavy vaping usage. Other than bumps, some people also experience a sore or scratchy throat, the sensation of something stuck in the back of the throat, coughing, and hoarseness.

Cobblestone throat doesn’t always present immediately. Most people notice these bumps after a few days of a sore throat. As the “pebbles” develop, some might turn discolored or inflamed, but a healthy immune system usually clears them up. Though cobblestone throat can cause alarm, these lumps are usually benign—just very annoying!

So, what exactly causes cobblestone throat? A wide variety of factors can contribute. For instance, postnasal drip can lead to excess mucus, which in turn thickens and irritates the back of the throat. In response, the throat creates more lumps to clear away the mucus, leading to itching and pain. Allergies and infections often lead to more mucus, exacerbating postnasal drip.

Viral and bacterial infections, such as the common cold or strep throat, can also send the body into overdrive. In these cases, lymphatic tissue starts forming to clear away harmful pathogens, shortening your illness, but leaving you with a nasty sore throat. While these pebbles can be frustrating, just know your body is ultimately at work.

But you don’t have to be sick to experience cobblestone throat—any irritant like allergies and acid reflux can cause your throat to work harder. Environmental irritants like pollen or dust can get stuck in the back of the throat, while food allergies can trigger an inflammatory response. And if you suffer from acid reflux, the bile can corrode the back of the throat, causing small bumps to form in its wake.

It’s important to note that most immediate contributing factors to cobblestone throat are environmental. Dry air, smoking, or vaping can cause irritation from the mouth to the throat to the lungs. Vaping and smoking are also known to lower your immune system, meaning that vumps can last even longer, as your body fights to heal itself.

Most cases of cobblestone throat resolve within a few weeks, but if your symptoms persist or worsen it’s best to seek professional help. A doctor can examine your symptoms to rule out more serious conditions. They might also decide to run a few tests to make sure that there isn’t an underlying cause. This could include a throat swab, allergy testing, or even an endoscopy.

In the meantime, you can treat cobblestone throat, or vumps, by eliminating the source of irritation. You can also find temporary relief for your symptoms, while you wait for your body to heal. Some home remedies may help soothe your throat and speed up recovery:

• Gargling with warm salt water: salt has antimicrobial properties that can help fight off infections, and warm water can soothe a dry throat.

• Staying hydrated: Water helps flush out infections and keeps your throat moisturized.

• Using a humidifier: Humidifiers can make breathing easier when sick and may alleviate symptoms caused by dry air.

Your doctor might also suggest taking medications if home remedies are not enough. These medications can range from:

• Decongestants for postnasal drip: Nasal sprays and decongestants help loosen mucus, offering quick relief.

• Antihistamines for allergies: Antihistamines can reduce the inflammation that causes the bumps in your throat. Just be sure to use a non-drowsy antihistamine, since some traditional antihistamines can actually make postnasal drip worse.

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections: If the bumps are caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be necessary to clear the infection and reduce swelling in lymphatic tissue.

• Proton pump inhibitors for acid reflux: These medications reduce stomach acid, preventing it from irritating your throat.

You can also speed up your recovery with lifestyle changes:

• Avoiding known allergens: Avoiding that dusty attic, or being sure to vet your food can keep inflammation at bay, meaning less bumps in the future.

• Quitting smoking and vaping: Smoking and vaping contribute directly to cobblestone throat. You can start your quitting journey, and avoid “vumps” with our FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapy mints and behavioral support tools in our free app.

• Elevating the head during sleep: Using extra pillows can help reduce acid reflux, as the acid settles in the stomach throughout the night.

While cobblestone throat is generally harmless, it can be a sign of a more serious disease. You should consult a trusted medical professional if your symptoms last longer than two weeks or if you experience a high fever, unexpected weight loss, or severe and difficulty swallowing. If you are caring for an infant with a cobblestone throat, seek help immediately.

The very best way to prevent cobblestone throat, or “vumps” is prevention. Managing your allergies effectively, using air purifiers, and washing your hands regularly can help keep cobblestone throat at bay. Quitting vaping and smoking can lead to an immediate improvement in symptoms, making it easier to eat and drink comfortably.

Quitting is hard, but it isn’t impossible. Jones offers NRT mints that curb cravings without causing throat irritation. And our free app features a community of supportive quitters, behavioral support tools to plan your quitting timeline, and even an AI coach to guide you through your journey. Vumps, and vaping, don’t have to stick around. With just a little bit of help, you can say goodbye for good to your sore throat and your pesky vape.