Suggest Treatment For Constant Sinus Drainage Down The Throat

Posted on Mon, 27 Feb 2017

Question: I have been dealing with constant sinus drainage down the back of my throat. It is slightly yellowish to green. I have a tickly dry cough when I feel it draining. It started with a sore throat and sneezing and just seems to hang on. It has been over a month. I also have a yellow color at the bottom of my right tonsil. Neither of them is swollen or hurt just the yellow on the bottom part of the one. I have been on Amoxicillin/Potassium CLAV 20 X 875-125 for 10 days and went back to clinic and she prescribed another 10 course. I also have always had my sinus clog up at night and turns into mouth breathing with very dry mouth in the night and in the morning. Please provide thoughts on this.

Answered by Dr. Riddhi Shah (56 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please see the answer.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,thank you for posting your query on health care magic.

Looking at your symptoms,it is suggestive that still you might be having bacterial infection in the sinuses and throat.Yellowish secretion from the sinuses might be draining backwards in the throat leading to the appearance of yellow color at the bottom of right tonsil.

You have already taken Antibiotic-Amoxycillin with Clavulanic acid for 10 days.I would suggest to start another course of antibiotic after the report of throat swab for bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivity which will show that infection is caused by which bacteria and to which antibiotic-the infecting bacteria is sensitive.

In addition to Antibiotic,you may find relief by taking other medicines like
Oral Decongestant like Phenylephrine and Nasal Decongestant like Xylometazoline(take decongestant only if you are not suffering from high blood pressure,heart disease,kidney disease,prostate enlargement and Glaucoma-high pressure in the eyes),
Oral Antihistaminic-like Cetrizine,
Mucolytic -like Ambroxol,
Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory-like Ibuprofen with Antacid-like Rantac,
Vitamin C lozenges and
Saline Nasal Spray.

Also do steam inhalation.Do warm saline gargles.Drink lots of fluids(warm).Hot tea with lemon,ginger and honey will also help.Avoid cold food,spicy and oily food.Avoid dust,smoke and other pollutants.

Hope this answers your question.I would be happy to answer if you have any follow-up questions.Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Riddhi Shah (7 hours later)

So how long will the yellow be on the tonsil. Is that something that will clear up over time? I will try the things you suggested

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Riddhi Shah (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please see the answer

Detailed Answer:
Hi,thank you for your reply.

Regarding the yellowish colouration seen on the bottom of your right tonsil(most probably yellowish secretions covering the right tonsil),it would probably clear up after taking Antibiotics according to the throat swab for culture and sensitivity.The same antibiotic would also help in clearing of sinus discharge,which might be draining backwards and covering your tonsil.

Hope this answers your question.Get well soon.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Riddhi Shah (32 hours later)

Ok thanks I just wanted to make sure the yellow color was not anything to worry about. I am starting to feel better but it was still discolored.

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Riddhi Shah (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
don't worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thank you for your follow-up query.
Welcome back.

I am happy to hear that you are feeling better.
Probably as your sinus secretion reduces, the yellowish secretion over your tonsil would also resolve.

Take care.
Get well soon.

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. Arnab Banerjee