Patients are often plagued by infections, e.g. of the tonsils or salivary glands. There are also often viral infections such as aphthae (stomatitis aphthosa). Fungal diseases of the tongue can cause tongue burning. Tooth or gum disease can also cause discomfort.
Many patients complain of mucus drainage from the back of the nose into the throat, which may indicate chronic sinusitis, but often has other causes.