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What Causes Dryness In Throat And Difficulty Swallowing?

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Posted on Thu, 4 Jun 2015
Question: What could be causing the issues in my throat/tongue? Could it be due to seasonal allergies?the nebulizer I had?the prednisone I took?or something else?Thyroid?
*more details in medical history*
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Sleep Apnea, Acid Reflux.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. The first things that comes to mind are Sleep Apnea, Acid Reflux and a Post Nasal Drip.

2. Mouth breathing dries the throat and acid reflux, PND cause a laryngosopasm. Both would lead to waking up choking.

3. Get a VideoLaryngoScopy (VL'Scopy) done.

4. Upload the video or images. This will help in identifying the problem. Other investigations for allergy and sleep endoscopy can wait at present.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (1 hour later)
My throat is not dry and my concern is not what sent me to the emergency, that was just to give you some background info. Its my lingual tonsil area and beyond that feels furry kinda. Coul reflux ause that with no pain or burping?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
VL'Scopy. LPR

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. The VideoLaryngoScopy (VL'Scopy) that I have recommended is the precise way of assessing the lingual tonsil area.

2. There are two types of reflux:
a. GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease)
b. LPR (Laryngo-Pharyngeal Reflux) without the chest symptoms (such as burping, burning pain)

3. The coated, furry tongue is a common condition also seen with acid reflux, dehydration, decreased salivation, mouth breathing (sleep disordered breathing) besides fungal infections, post nasal drip, lingual tonsil hypertrophy, excessive cleaning of the tongue and so on.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (11 hours later)
What over the counter meds can help with reflux and how long will it take to relieve sensation in throat?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (40 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
OTC Olex, Zantac effervescent. At least 8-12 weeks for long term relief.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. You can start with OTC Olex (omeprazole 20 mg) once a day for 2 weeks. Take this half an hour before breakfast in the morning.

2. OTC Zantac 150 mg can be taken twice a day in addition. The effervescent tablet will be better.

3. Other medication will require a prescription. You should get examined and treated by a doctor as recovery requires at least 8-12 weeks of sustained treatment, ruling out other factors (such as lymphoid hypertrophy, hiatus hernia and so on) with diet and lifestyle changes.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sumit Bhatti

Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 2686 Questions

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What Causes Dryness In Throat And Difficulty Swallowing?

Brief Answer: Sleep Apnea, Acid Reflux. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for your query. 1. The first things that comes to mind are Sleep Apnea, Acid Reflux and a Post Nasal Drip. 2. Mouth breathing dries the throat and acid reflux, PND cause a laryngosopasm. Both would lead to waking up choking. 3. Get a VideoLaryngoScopy (VL'Scopy) done. 4. Upload the video or images. This will help in identifying the problem. Other investigations for allergy and sleep endoscopy can wait at present. I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them. Regards.