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What Causes Itching In Throat And Chest Pain While Coughing?
Question: I have this cough that causes pain in the chest and irritation in the throat (itching). What kind of cough is this and how do I treat it?
Brief Answer:
Laryngo-pharyngeal reflux...
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query.
With the brief history given by you and presumption of absence of cold, nasal block, breathing difficulty and fever, the most probable cause is acid reflux from the stomach into the throat. This is also termed as Laryngo-pharyngeal reflux.
When the acid from the stomach regurgitates into the throat, there will be burning sensation in the chest and throat. This leads to inflammation of the mucosa and induces cough.
Do not worry! It is a very simple problem. My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink plenty of warm water. Warm water reduces the congestion and thus the irritation.
2. Try taking proton pump inhibitors such as pantoperazole or esomeprazole.
3. A prokinetic such as domperidone will be beneficial in reducing the reflux.
4. Avoid chilled food/beverages, oily food, coffee, smoking and alcohol, if any.
5. OTC herbal cough syrups can be tried to reduce the cough reflex.
If the symptoms persist even after 3-4 days, consult your doctor for a complete evaluation of the chest and the throat.
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
Laryngo-pharyngeal reflux...
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query.
With the brief history given by you and presumption of absence of cold, nasal block, breathing difficulty and fever, the most probable cause is acid reflux from the stomach into the throat. This is also termed as Laryngo-pharyngeal reflux.
When the acid from the stomach regurgitates into the throat, there will be burning sensation in the chest and throat. This leads to inflammation of the mucosa and induces cough.
Do not worry! It is a very simple problem. My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink plenty of warm water. Warm water reduces the congestion and thus the irritation.
2. Try taking proton pump inhibitors such as pantoperazole or esomeprazole.
3. A prokinetic such as domperidone will be beneficial in reducing the reflux.
4. Avoid chilled food/beverages, oily food, coffee, smoking and alcohol, if any.
5. OTC herbal cough syrups can be tried to reduce the cough reflex.
If the symptoms persist even after 3-4 days, consult your doctor for a complete evaluation of the chest and the throat.
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
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. Ashwin Bhandari
Answered by
Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Practicing since :2001
Answered : 2540 Questions
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