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Hi, Doctor. For A While Now, I Have Had What

Posted on Wed, 28 Jun 2023

Question: Hi, doctor. For a while now, I have had what feels like a lot of mucous in the throat, difficulty swallowing and have seen an ENT who saw nothing unusual and prescribed an acid reflux med. Did not help at all nor has Pepcid, antacids, etc Also, feel run down but this throat issue is the worst symptom. Wondering if u could suggest a med I could ask my doctor for, including any antibiotic that may be of help. I know antibiotics only work on bacterial infections but I have tried many other meds and none have helped. Thanks so much.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (42 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I need to know a few more details

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thank you for asking the question.

After reading through your brief history, I can see why you're having trouble.

I need to know a few more details before I can continue to analyze your issues. Do you have a headache, a blocked nose, or any nasal discharge? Are you taking any medications at present? Do you have any other issues such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, a burning sensation in the chest, or frequent belching?

I would be waiting for your reply.

Thanks and regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head and Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. LAKSHMI

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (5 hours later)

Hi, doctor. No, no headache, blocked nose or nasal discharge. No meds except trying the acid reflux ones which have not helped at all. And no issues as diabetes, asthma, etc. Only these symptoms (uncomfortable) of feeling like the throat is heavy with mucous, sometimes like a lump in throat and sometimes get a taste of bitterness or sourness. To be honest, with the acid reflux meds, I took them off and on, not every single day since they seemed to make no difference at all. But even taking every other day made no difference.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
laryngopharyngeal reflux is the prime cause of your problem

Detailed Answer:
Hi

I appreciate your response and clarification.

I think you have laryngopharyngeal reflux given all the information above about your past and current conditions.

Acid from the stomach refluxes into the throat in a condition known as laryngopharyngeal reflux, causing discomfort, mucosal edema, and increased phlegm production. The diaphragm muscles and the stomach valve loosen with age, causing the contents of the stomach to dribble back into the food pipe and ascend to the back of the throat and nose.

This can be addressed using a variety of techniques, including home cures, prescription drugs, and dietary modifications.

1. Eat small, frequent meals to maintain a light tummy.

2. Sip lukewarm water frequently.

3. Steer clear of hot or spicy foods, coffee, tea, fizzy drinks, and cold foods and beverages.

4. You must take prokinetic drugs like domperidone or metoclopramide in addition to medications to treat acid reflux, such as pantoprazole or esomeprazole. The aforementioned medications must be taken constantly for at least two to three weeks before the dosage is tapered. Please don't skip your medication.

5. Exercise regularly.

6. Allow yourself to go to bed at least one to one and a half hours after dinner.

7. To prevent acid regurgitation, always lie on your left side, semi-prone.

8. Refrain from stress and big meals.

You would feel better if you took the aforementioned actions. I hope you stay healthy.

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. Nagamani Ng