I Have A Itchy, Congested Throat That’s Causing Me Slight

Posted on Sun, 20 Sep 2020

Question: I have a itchy, congested throat that’s causing me slight breathing difficulties and a a little bit of a runny nose

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (17 minutes later)

I recently started back smoking weed a week ago which is when my throat started bothering me. I also stopped taking sea moss gel simply because I ran out but it definitely was making me feel 100 times better. I was having slightly different symptoms earlier this month but with time and sea moss it definitely helped me feel myself again. I’ve done honey and lemon in hot water but those actually makes my throat itch more than before I took it. I find the salt water definitely helps but what’s bothering me more than anything is the shortness of breath because of how congested I am. I don’t really cough but a few times my throat was extremely itchy. I’ve actually been pretty good on safety precautions but I will say besides from recently smoking again (which I actually stopped when I was feel under the weather a few months ago) I have pets and my house is really smuggy and I think it’s recycling the same air so I don’t think that’s helping or it can maybe even be part of the reason. I’m going to try to send some pictures and videos.

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Seems like pharyngitis.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor's service.
I read your query and here is my advice.

I see the photos you attached and your throat seems red and inflammation is also present.
I think this seems like pharyngitis possibly viral.
Smoking weed can't cause it but it can make it worse and irritate it more.
You may need to use salt water gargling, backing soda gargling to reduce inflammation.
You can also use losenges found over the counter.
You can use ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain.
It can get better soon on its own.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (2 hours later)

I noticed I also have a white spot on one of my tonsils. Could that mean It’s strep or just sore because I don’t have any problem swallowing yet I do have occasional runny nose, no fever.

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (13 minutes later)

Well actually it’s on the soft palate.

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Not related to tonsillitis .

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and thank you for asking again.
I see the pictures you attached and the white spot is not on tonsil but is on mucosal lining around it.
It doesn't signify infection or tonsillitis.
The running nose also can be a symptom of pharyngitis.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (3 hours later)

Okay, Thank you for that information. And as for the labored breathing, how can help improve that?

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can use antihistamines .

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and thank you for asking again.
I think you may need to take any antihistamines such benadryl or loratadin to help relieve the congestion and the coughing as well.
If it doesn't seem to get better in 3 days you should visit a doctor to listen to your lungs .
Let me know if I can assist you further.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj