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What Causes Rawness, Inflammation And Burning Sensation In The Throat?
Question: There is something going on in my throat. I have off and on burning sensations that don't go away with drinking water or warm tea. My throat, to me, appears raw and inflamed. I have activation of the right tonsillar pillar, a same-colored mass on my left tonsil, some orangish spots on my palatopharyngeal arch and some red "roughness" of the oropharynx. I came down with flu-like symptoms around October of 2015 and noticed my throat appeared this way then. I went through a Z PAC, which didn't help, then got prescribed Azithromycin by an ENT, which also didn't clear anything up. I am currently in medical school and it's really starting to scare me because I'm learning of all kinds of different things. The burning sensation and an overall "bleh" feeling happen off and on, I do have heartburn sometimes, and I had strep throat MANY times growing up and in college. I do not drink very often at all, and when I do, it's usually wine. I was a very light social-smoker in college and occasionally still do. Definitely not an everyday smoker, never really have been, but during social situations I am. And my throats initially flared up after college, when I wasn't smoking very much. Please help!
Brief Answer:
Probably suffering from Chronic Granular Pharyngitis
Detailed Answer:
Hi,thank you for posting your query on health care magic.
I have gone through your query and can understand your concern.
Looking at your image of throat,it seems that you are probably suffering from Chronic Granular Pharyngitis-There are reddish nodules-granulations(a form of inflammation) on the posterior pharngeal wall and hypertrophy-enlargement of Lateral Pharyngeal bands(they contain Lymphoid tissue and may get enlarged in case of Infection/Allergy/inflammation ).
You are probably suffering from Burning pain in the mouth due to Chronic Granular pharyngitis.
The cause for Chronic Granular Pharyngitis might be as follows:
Gastroesophageal reflux-Acid reflux may lead to inflammation in the Pharynx,
Allergies-Pollutants like somking/dust or certain foods can irritate the throat and also cause inflammation in the throat,
Influenza and common cold-Nasal secretions drip posteriorly in the throat causing irritation and inflammation of the throat,
Dry throat-Mouth breathing exposes pharynx to air which has not been filtered and humidified,
Faulty voice production ,
Infection-bacterial or viral-Persistent infection in the surrounding structures of pharynx like sinus, tonsils, nose etc including dental sepsis.
It would be advisable to consult an Otolaryngologist Doctor for examination of your nose and throat to find out any source of irritation and inflammation in the throat.
Also it would be advisable to have a throat swab test for culture and antibiotic sensitivity to find out whether there is any bacterial infection and if present,then to which antibiotics,the infecting bacteria is sensitive.
You may find relief by taking following measures:
Etiological factor or causative agent must be eradicated for resolution of Pharyngitis like Stop smoking, abstain from alcohol and cold, irritant food.
Voice rest is essential
Speech therapy where faulty voice production is seen.
Warm Saline gargles may be soothing and even relieves pain and irritation.
Consume plenty of warm water
Avoid coffee/tea/fizzy drinks/chilled items for few days.
Antacid like Pantoprazole (half hour before food) .
Viscous lidocaine- relieves pain by numbing the mucus membranes
Antibiotics - if a bacterial infection is the cause of the sore throat.
Analgesic with Anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen .
Hope this answers your question.I would be happy to answer if you have any follow-up questions.Take care.
Probably suffering from Chronic Granular Pharyngitis
Detailed Answer:
Hi,thank you for posting your query on health care magic.
I have gone through your query and can understand your concern.
Looking at your image of throat,it seems that you are probably suffering from Chronic Granular Pharyngitis-There are reddish nodules-granulations(a form of inflammation) on the posterior pharngeal wall and hypertrophy-enlargement of Lateral Pharyngeal bands(they contain Lymphoid tissue and may get enlarged in case of Infection/Allergy/inflammation ).
You are probably suffering from Burning pain in the mouth due to Chronic Granular pharyngitis.
The cause for Chronic Granular Pharyngitis might be as follows:
Gastroesophageal reflux-Acid reflux may lead to inflammation in the Pharynx,
Allergies-Pollutants like somking/dust or certain foods can irritate the throat and also cause inflammation in the throat,
Influenza and common cold-Nasal secretions drip posteriorly in the throat causing irritation and inflammation of the throat,
Dry throat-Mouth breathing exposes pharynx to air which has not been filtered and humidified,
Faulty voice production ,
Infection-bacterial or viral-Persistent infection in the surrounding structures of pharynx like sinus, tonsils, nose etc including dental sepsis.
It would be advisable to consult an Otolaryngologist Doctor for examination of your nose and throat to find out any source of irritation and inflammation in the throat.
Also it would be advisable to have a throat swab test for culture and antibiotic sensitivity to find out whether there is any bacterial infection and if present,then to which antibiotics,the infecting bacteria is sensitive.
You may find relief by taking following measures:
Etiological factor or causative agent must be eradicated for resolution of Pharyngitis like Stop smoking, abstain from alcohol and cold, irritant food.
Voice rest is essential
Speech therapy where faulty voice production is seen.
Warm Saline gargles may be soothing and even relieves pain and irritation.
Consume plenty of warm water
Avoid coffee/tea/fizzy drinks/chilled items for few days.
Antacid like Pantoprazole (half hour before food) .
Viscous lidocaine- relieves pain by numbing the mucus membranes
Antibiotics - if a bacterial infection is the cause of the sore throat.
Analgesic with Anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen .
Hope this answers your question.I would be happy to answer if you have any follow-up questions.Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Ok, thank you for the detailed response. What about the very back of my throat and the mass on my tonsils(right side of picture)? Is is all related? I am only 25 and have a million thoughts about the terrible things that it could be. I plan to get checked in person by a specialist but wanted an ENT's opinion beforehand also. Ive attached a couple other similar images
Brief Answer:
Image suggestive of Chronic Pharyngotonsilllits
Detailed Answer:
Hi,thank you for your follow-up query.
Looking at the images,it seems Congestion of bilateral Anterior pillar,Mild Congestion in the Tonsils suggestive of Chronic Tonsilitis.
At the back of your throat are reddish nodules(one central nodule more prominent)-they are granulations which is a part of Inflammation-suggestive of Chronic Granular Pharyngitis.
The causes and treatment for Chronic Pharyngitis as explained in the previous answer will remain same for Chronic Tonsilitis.
Hope this answers your query.Take care.
Image suggestive of Chronic Pharyngotonsilllits
Detailed Answer:
Hi,thank you for your follow-up query.
Looking at the images,it seems Congestion of bilateral Anterior pillar,Mild Congestion in the Tonsils suggestive of Chronic Tonsilitis.
At the back of your throat are reddish nodules(one central nodule more prominent)-they are granulations which is a part of Inflammation-suggestive of Chronic Granular Pharyngitis.
The causes and treatment for Chronic Pharyngitis as explained in the previous answer will remain same for Chronic Tonsilitis.
Hope this answers your query.Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thank you very much
Brief Answer:
You are most welcome.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,thank you for your reply.
You are most welcome.
Get well soon.Take care.
You are most welcome.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,thank you for your reply.
You are most welcome.
Get well soon.Take care.
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
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