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Hi, I Have Recently Had An Issue With My Throat
Question: Hi,
I have recently had an issue with my throat which has a sharp pain when swallowing but only with my head in certain positions such as turned to the right. It was very minor and difficult to notice three days ago but the pain level has increased. I do have a history of mild rhinitis and also gastric acid reflux.
The pain appears to be local to the upper left side of the neck.
I am unsure if I should get a Covid swab test done because the guidance in my area is that anyone with even the mildest symptoms possibly related to Covid should get tested. However, is my issue a sore a scratchy throat which requires testing? I do not have a fever or on-going coughing.
I have attached a photo of the back of my throat and it seems to show some red varicose vein-like areas towards the back and especially near the current area of pain.
Can my symptoms be ruled out as something else and what might the cause?
Thank you.
I have recently had an issue with my throat which has a sharp pain when swallowing but only with my head in certain positions such as turned to the right. It was very minor and difficult to notice three days ago but the pain level has increased. I do have a history of mild rhinitis and also gastric acid reflux.
The pain appears to be local to the upper left side of the neck.
I am unsure if I should get a Covid swab test done because the guidance in my area is that anyone with even the mildest symptoms possibly related to Covid should get tested. However, is my issue a sore a scratchy throat which requires testing? I do not have a fever or on-going coughing.
I have attached a photo of the back of my throat and it seems to show some red varicose vein-like areas towards the back and especially near the current area of pain.
Can my symptoms be ruled out as something else and what might the cause?
Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Granular Pharyngitis
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query
I have examined the image of the throat thoroughly and I am of the opinion that you are suffering from Granular Pharyngitis.
1. Granular Pharyngitis could be due to various reasons such as recurrent throat infections, laryngopharyngeal reflux, mouth breathing, recurrent sinus infections, etc.
2. In your case, according to your history; I am of the opinion that you could be having laryngopharyngeal reflux secondary to the acid reflux disease. I opined because there is no history of fever, body ache or difficulty in swallowing.
3. I would suggest you to get the Covid19 test done only if anyone around you is having a confirmed case of Covid19 or you have visited a crowded place recently.
4. The varicosity noticed near the congested area is due to the engorged blood vessels to reduce the inflammation. That’s absolutely normal in this condition.
5. My suggestions to you are:
a. Drink frequent sips of warm water.
b. Do steam inhalation 2-3 times a day to reduce the nasal congestion, mouth breathing if any and rhinitis.
c. You can try doing gargles using a diluted solution of povidone iodine mouth wash 3-4 times a day, after food.
d. Paracetamol can be taken (only if you aren’t allergic to it) 3-4 times a day to reduce the pain.
e. Please continue to take Proton pump inhibitors for the treatment of acid reflux disease.
f. Xylometazoline nasal spray can be used 3 times a day x 5 days, followed by steam inhalation after 10minutes. This is to reduce the rhinitis as well as nasal congestion.
g. Avoid chilled food and beverages, coffee and fizzy drinks till you get better.
Hope this answers your query; revert back to me if you have any follow up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Granular Pharyngitis
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query
I have examined the image of the throat thoroughly and I am of the opinion that you are suffering from Granular Pharyngitis.
1. Granular Pharyngitis could be due to various reasons such as recurrent throat infections, laryngopharyngeal reflux, mouth breathing, recurrent sinus infections, etc.
2. In your case, according to your history; I am of the opinion that you could be having laryngopharyngeal reflux secondary to the acid reflux disease. I opined because there is no history of fever, body ache or difficulty in swallowing.
3. I would suggest you to get the Covid19 test done only if anyone around you is having a confirmed case of Covid19 or you have visited a crowded place recently.
4. The varicosity noticed near the congested area is due to the engorged blood vessels to reduce the inflammation. That’s absolutely normal in this condition.
5. My suggestions to you are:
a. Drink frequent sips of warm water.
b. Do steam inhalation 2-3 times a day to reduce the nasal congestion, mouth breathing if any and rhinitis.
c. You can try doing gargles using a diluted solution of povidone iodine mouth wash 3-4 times a day, after food.
d. Paracetamol can be taken (only if you aren’t allergic to it) 3-4 times a day to reduce the pain.
e. Please continue to take Proton pump inhibitors for the treatment of acid reflux disease.
f. Xylometazoline nasal spray can be used 3 times a day x 5 days, followed by steam inhalation after 10minutes. This is to reduce the rhinitis as well as nasal congestion.
g. Avoid chilled food and beverages, coffee and fizzy drinks till you get better.
Hope this answers your query; revert back to me if you have any 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. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Practicing since :2001
Answered : 2543 Questions
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