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Mucus Buildup At The Back Of Throat, No Difficulty Swallowing, Fear Of Choking. Worried About Cancer

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Posted on Sat, 30 Jun 2012
Question: Hello, I am dealing with a constant mucus buildup in the back of my throat for a couple of weeks. I do not have a difficulty swallowing, but I have the fear of choking. I am very scared and my anxiety high. Could you please give me some assurance of what this may be. This anxiety has me worrying about cancer.
Thank you kindly!!!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (3 hours later)
Hi

Thanks for the query

First of all, I would like to reassure you that it is very unlikely for you to have a throat cancer at this age without any predisposing factors.

The symptoms you perceive are due to both GERD and anxiety. Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common factor causing this problem. This is because; the lining mucosa of the throat is different from that of the stomach. When the acid from the stomach comes up into the throat, it causes burning of the mucosa, following which there is inflammation and swelling. In order to reduce the inflammation, there are excessive salivary secretions poured over the inflamed area. This excessive collection of saliva together with the inflammation of the throat gives the foreign body sensation in the throat and choking.

Apart from this, anxiety and hypokalemia (low potassium) also causes spasm of the muscles of the throat, making the situation worse.

Hence, control of GERD and anxiety will reduce most of your symptoms. You will require proton pump inhibitors (such as Omeprazole/Pantoperazole/Esomeprazole) to reduce the production of the acid, prokinetics (such as Domperidone) for prevention of the reflux of the acid into the throat and to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter. Also, you can try taking fruits XXXXXXX in potassium such as plantains and tender coconut water. Drink plenty of warm water; avoid coffee/tea/smoking/alcohol/stress if any.

If the symptoms do not subside, please do consult a good ENT specialist as well as a gastro-enterologist for the expert management of the same.

Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (4 hours later)
Thank you for your prompt response. You'be answered my question completely.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (4 hours later)
Hi

Thanks for writing back

Please do follow my above suggestions and you will definitely be alright.
I wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty

Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 2540 Questions

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Mucus Buildup At The Back Of Throat, No Difficulty Swallowing, Fear Of Choking. Worried About Cancer

Hi

Thanks for the query

First of all, I would like to reassure you that it is very unlikely for you to have a throat cancer at this age without any predisposing factors.

The symptoms you perceive are due to both GERD and anxiety. Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common factor causing this problem. This is because; the lining mucosa of the throat is different from that of the stomach. When the acid from the stomach comes up into the throat, it causes burning of the mucosa, following which there is inflammation and swelling. In order to reduce the inflammation, there are excessive salivary secretions poured over the inflamed area. This excessive collection of saliva together with the inflammation of the throat gives the foreign body sensation in the throat and choking.

Apart from this, anxiety and hypokalemia (low potassium) also causes spasm of the muscles of the throat, making the situation worse.

Hence, control of GERD and anxiety will reduce most of your symptoms. You will require proton pump inhibitors (such as Omeprazole/Pantoperazole/Esomeprazole) to reduce the production of the acid, prokinetics (such as Domperidone) for prevention of the reflux of the acid into the throat and to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter. Also, you can try taking fruits XXXXXXX in potassium such as plantains and tender coconut water. Drink plenty of warm water; avoid coffee/tea/smoking/alcohol/stress if any.

If the symptoms do not subside, please do consult a good ENT specialist as well as a gastro-enterologist for the expert management of the same.

Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon