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What Causes Throat Irritation When Taking Sunflower Seed Shell?
Question: I think I have sunflower seed shell sliver(s) stuck in my throat. I started eating sunflower seeds, a handful at a time, a bag a day, when I quit smoking. After a few weeks I stopped when my throat became irritated. That was two weeks ago and I still feel like I have something in my throat, I've been experiencing increased problems with stomach acid, and blood in my stool. Is this something that should clear up with more time or do I need to bite the financial bullet and go see a doctor?
Brief Answer:
This should clear up.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. It is highly unlikely that any sunflower seed fragments are stuck in your throat.
2. Acid reflux is more likely to cause for such symptoms.
3. Get a stool test for occult blood.
4. You do not need a consult for the sunflower seeds. However if this persists a Videolaryngoscopy will settle the issue. The reflux and blood in stools may require a gastroenterologists opinion if it persists.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
This should clear up.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. It is highly unlikely that any sunflower seed fragments are stuck in your throat.
2. Acid reflux is more likely to cause for such symptoms.
3. Get a stool test for occult blood.
4. You do not need a consult for the sunflower seeds. However if this persists a Videolaryngoscopy will settle the issue. The reflux and blood in stools may require a gastroenterologists opinion if it persists.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I have been diagnosed with acid reflux and normally use Gaviscon a couple times a week for it, but that has increases to daily usage. I was under the impression this issue would have decreased after I quit smoking.
Is it possible that sunflower seed shell fragments have caused a tear somewhere in my digestive tract? (I know I accidentally swallowed whole seeds or pieces if shell at times.) Also could the high level of salt I was ingesting be playing a role on this problem?
Is it possible that sunflower seed shell fragments have caused a tear somewhere in my digestive tract? (I know I accidentally swallowed whole seeds or pieces if shell at times.) Also could the high level of salt I was ingesting be playing a role on this problem?
Brief Answer:
Anti-reflux treatment besides Gaviscon.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back,
1. Only Gaviscon will not suffice. It is not meant for temporary relief and not long term use.
2. Request a prescription for a proton pump inhibitor (such as omeprazole, pantoprazole or rabeprazole) and a gut motility enhancer (such as domperidone or levosulpiride).
3. Stopping smoking will definitely improve your quality of life in the coming years.
4. The abrasions cause by the seeds, if any, will heal in a few days. The increased salt intake is more likely to cause throat irritation.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Anti-reflux treatment besides Gaviscon.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back,
1. Only Gaviscon will not suffice. It is not meant for temporary relief and not long term use.
2. Request a prescription for a proton pump inhibitor (such as omeprazole, pantoprazole or rabeprazole) and a gut motility enhancer (such as domperidone or levosulpiride).
3. Stopping smoking will definitely improve your quality of life in the coming years.
4. The abrasions cause by the seeds, if any, will heal in a few days. The increased salt intake is more likely to cause throat irritation.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
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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