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Why Does My Throat Feel Scratchy And My Blood Oxygen Level Has Dropped?
Question: my throat feels scratchy and my blood oxygen level drops as low as 93. is my airway swelling?
Brief Answer:
Do not worry! It's a simple pharyngitis...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
You seem to be having pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharynx). The mucosa of the soft palate and the posterior pharyngeal wall is congested which causes irritation when the back of the tongue rubs over the pharyngeal wall.
As there is no fever or pain, I presume the above problem could be due to Laryngopharyngeal reflux secondary to the Acid reflux disease.
Yes, inflammation of the pharyngeal and laryngeal inlet can narrow the space and give a sense of reduced oxygen entry into the lungs. Do not worry! 93% saturation is still considered normal.
My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink frequent sips of warm water
2. Use dilute povidone-iodine throat gargles
3. A course of proton pump inhibitors can alleviate the symptoms
4. Avoid coffee/smoking/chilled food & beverages/fizzy drinks
Hope with these measures, you would get better.
Regards,
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Do not worry! It's a simple pharyngitis...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
You seem to be having pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharynx). The mucosa of the soft palate and the posterior pharyngeal wall is congested which causes irritation when the back of the tongue rubs over the pharyngeal wall.
As there is no fever or pain, I presume the above problem could be due to Laryngopharyngeal reflux secondary to the Acid reflux disease.
Yes, inflammation of the pharyngeal and laryngeal inlet can narrow the space and give a sense of reduced oxygen entry into the lungs. Do not worry! 93% saturation is still considered normal.
My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink frequent sips of warm water
2. Use dilute povidone-iodine throat gargles
3. A course of proton pump inhibitors can alleviate the symptoms
4. Avoid coffee/smoking/chilled food & beverages/fizzy drinks
Hope with these measures, you would get better.
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
Answered by
Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Practicing since :2001
Answered : 2540 Questions
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