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What Causes Sore Throat With Excess Mucus In The Throat?
Question: I have had a sore throat for three plus weeks.
some excess mucus, not much
no fever, feel ok otherwise
no lumps or such on outside of throat
have not tried any medicines
live in Northeast and lots of allergens in air
worried about cancer
some excess mucus, not much
no fever, feel ok otherwise
no lumps or such on outside of throat
have not tried any medicines
live in Northeast and lots of allergens in air
worried about cancer
Brief Answer:
post nasal drip causes irritation of the throat lining
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is understandable to be concerned about long term pain.
Throat cancer is rare but is more likely to occur in persons with a history of : (A) smoking
(B)alcohol use
(C)GERD- gastroesophageal reflux
(D)history of HPV infection (human papilloma virus)
(E)poor nutrition
Smoking is the most important risk factor
Though throat cancer is a very rare cause of sore throat, a more likely cause would be post nasal drip though there is only slight increase mucus. This occurs in response to allergens
There are some persons who are not aware of the drip itself but only present with the complications such as sore throat.
If this is the cause then using an antihistamine/decongestant combination (over the counter allergy or sinus meds) along with a topical steroid nasal spray (eg flonase, rhinocort, avamys, nasocort, nasonex) would help
A prescription may be needed from your doctor for the nasal spray.
If you use this for two to three weeks with no improvement then you can consider seeing an ENT doctor for assessment.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
post nasal drip causes irritation of the throat lining
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is understandable to be concerned about long term pain.
Throat cancer is rare but is more likely to occur in persons with a history of : (A) smoking
(B)alcohol use
(C)GERD- gastroesophageal reflux
(D)history of HPV infection (human papilloma virus)
(E)poor nutrition
Smoking is the most important risk factor
Though throat cancer is a very rare cause of sore throat, a more likely cause would be post nasal drip though there is only slight increase mucus. This occurs in response to allergens
There are some persons who are not aware of the drip itself but only present with the complications such as sore throat.
If this is the cause then using an antihistamine/decongestant combination (over the counter allergy or sinus meds) along with a topical steroid nasal spray (eg flonase, rhinocort, avamys, nasocort, nasonex) would help
A prescription may be needed from your doctor for the nasal spray.
If you use this for two to three weeks with no improvement then you can consider seeing an ENT doctor for assessment.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
When barbecuing with family this afternoon, my dad noticed my jaws below my ears were swollen. He did not know I had been to the doctor about the issues in my original question to you. My wife confirmed the swelling, and I see it now too.
Both sides are swollen, the left a little more than the right. I looked it up online and the swelling is in the area of the parotid lymph nodes, right below the ear.
I will go back to my primary physician this coming week. I went to them two days ago and they confirmed your original diagnosis, after what seemed like a complete exam of my ears, nose, throat, gland areas.
In meantime, do you have any thoughts given this additional presentation of swelling, of what seem like gland / lymph nodes?
Thanks, XXXXXXX
Both sides are swollen, the left a little more than the right. I looked it up online and the swelling is in the area of the parotid lymph nodes, right below the ear.
I will go back to my primary physician this coming week. I went to them two days ago and they confirmed your original diagnosis, after what seemed like a complete exam of my ears, nose, throat, gland areas.
In meantime, do you have any thoughts given this additional presentation of swelling, of what seem like gland / lymph nodes?
Thanks, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
part of the body's inflammatory response
Detailed Answer:
HI
Sorry about the late reply
Lymph nodes respond to any inflammation of the area in which they drain so the presence of inflammation in the throat can potentially cause enlargement of lymph nodes in this area.
Normally this decreases 4 to 6 weeks after effective treatment of the particular problem
Please feel free to ask any other questions
part of the body's inflammatory response
Detailed Answer:
HI
Sorry about the late reply
Lymph nodes respond to any inflammation of the area in which they drain so the presence of inflammation in the throat can potentially cause enlargement of lymph nodes in this area.
Normally this decreases 4 to 6 weeks after effective treatment of the particular problem
Please feel free to ask any other questions
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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