HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Lower Throat Irritation. Cause And Remedy?

default
Posted on Mon, 29 Apr 2013
Question: hi I have a lower throat irritation,which sometimes makes me gag cough,had it for a couple of months now,when I breath sharply through my nose I can feel the air passing the irritated spot
doctor
Answered by Dr. Hema Yadav (22 minutes later)
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Your symptoms being persistent for 2 months point toward chronic conditions causing sore throat ( laryngitis or pharyngitis ) like a resistant viral infection , or allergy or reflux disorder .
If you are a smoker then tobacco smoke can cause both inflammation or malignancy of the throat which can present this way.
As of now it seems most probably a viral laryngitis since you can feel the air passing over it and assuming you have no allergies , reflux or smoking exposure.
In such a case most of the times the condition is self resolving with adequate supportive care.
However since its already 2 months , I would recommend you get yourself evaluated by your doctor or preferably an otolaryngologist ( Ear nose throat specialist). He can examine your throat and if necessary carry out tests ( throat swabs , blood counts etc) to confirm the diagnosis .
The treatment would vary depending on the diagnosis .
Meanwhile you can try warm saline throat gargles and steam inhalations thrice daily for soothing relief.
Also make sure you avoid dust,smoke , spicy foods to avoid aggravating the problem.
Hope I have answered your query.
Please feel free to ask any further queries .
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Hema Yadav (20 hours later)
hi thankyou for your reply,i am a non smoker,i don't think its reflux, I am a mechanic,and yes some smells of the trade and grinding dust do make the throat sensitive,or my throat is sensitive towards these things, I was treated as an allergy,i was given a breath in steroid and antihistamine tablets,it stopped the gag, but did not go away,does this help,thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Hema Yadav (2 hours later)
Hello,
Thanks for the information.
It seems that indeed allergy would be a likely possibility in your case and the treatment was appropriate. Infact both viral induced or allergic laryngitis / pharyngitis should respond to a course of steroids and antihistamines.
I assume you did have some response but not complete resolution.
Again in such a situation direct examination of the throat and larynx by the doctor is important to look for any lesions or persistent inflammation .
If the treatment taken was for less than a week ( short course ), an alternative longer course of anti allergic treatment might be tried if needed.
Prevention however is the best way to resolve allergies and if feasible try to avoid the irritant fumes or take a break .
Breathing exercises , gargles , steam inhalations help in faster resolution by improving the blood circulation .
Hope I have answered your query.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
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
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Hema Yadav

Pediatrician, Infectious Diseases

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 1528 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Lower Throat Irritation. Cause And Remedy?

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Your symptoms being persistent for 2 months point toward chronic conditions causing sore throat ( laryngitis or pharyngitis ) like a resistant viral infection , or allergy or reflux disorder .
If you are a smoker then tobacco smoke can cause both inflammation or malignancy of the throat which can present this way.
As of now it seems most probably a viral laryngitis since you can feel the air passing over it and assuming you have no allergies , reflux or smoking exposure.
In such a case most of the times the condition is self resolving with adequate supportive care.
However since its already 2 months , I would recommend you get yourself evaluated by your doctor or preferably an otolaryngologist ( Ear nose throat specialist). He can examine your throat and if necessary carry out tests ( throat swabs , blood counts etc) to confirm the diagnosis .
The treatment would vary depending on the diagnosis .
Meanwhile you can try warm saline throat gargles and steam inhalations thrice daily for soothing relief.
Also make sure you avoid dust,smoke , spicy foods to avoid aggravating the problem.
Hope I have answered your query.
Please feel free to ask any further queries .
Regards