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Suggest Treatment For Throat Discomfort And Hoarseness

Posted on Sat, 13 Dec 2014

Question: I have had moderate throat discomfort and hoarseness for a month and a half. I am constantly clearing my throat. I also have a feeling of tightness in the front of my head and behind my eyes. I have finished a 10 day prescription of Cefdinir 300 mg twice a day with no relief. I am having difficulty concentrating and accompanying anxiety.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Laryno-pharyngeal reflux/sinusitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query.

Throat discomfort and hoarseness could be due to various reasons. To name a few:
1. Recurrent sinusitis
2. Laryngo-pharyngeal reflux secondary to acid reflux disease
3. Excessive intake of antihistamines and decongestants, etc.

According to your description, I do feel, you are suffering from laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) also known as silent reflux and sinusitis.

LPR happens due to regurgitation of the acid from stomach into the throat. Due to constant reflux of the acid from stomach into the throat, the mucosa of the throat gets inflamed, giving rise to foreign body sensation in the throat.

Presence of secretions in the sinuses can make the head heavy and tightness over the area described by you.

My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink plenty of warm water.
2. Try taking proton pump inhibitors (such as esomeprazole or pantoperazole) and a prokinetic (such as domperidone or metachlopramide) for at least 3-4 months.
3. Do steam inhalation - this will relieve the sinus block if any and the reduces the hoarseness
4. Use saline nasal spray to clear any nasal block.
5. Avoid coffee/tea/spicy food/fizzy drinks/chilled food & beverages/smoking if any.
6. Get an X-ray done, to rule out sinusitis.

Hope I have answered your query; I'll be available for the follow up queries.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (23 hours later)

Dr. XXXXXXX

Thank you very much for your response to my query. I have researched on-line the symptoms of throat cancer which include among others:

1. Persistent hoarseness of the voice or having to clear the throat frequently.
2. Changes in the sound of the voice
3. Sore throat

I have these symptoms to one degree or another, especially the first two. My question is, should I be concerned that I might have throat cancer?

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I doubts cancer...It's better to get examined...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back

I do understand your concern. Throat cancer is very rare unless an individual is a chronic smoker and an alcoholic. I strongly feel the symptoms mentioned by you could be related to laryngo-pharyngeal reflux.

In order to be on a safer side, kindly get a complete examination of the throat and the larynx done by an apt ENT specialist.

Hope this clears your doubts.

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. Prasad