Suggest Treatment For Cough And Mild Hoarseness Along With The Sensation Of Something Stuck In The Throat

Posted on Mon, 27 Jun 2022

Question: i am having feeling of something stuck in my throat just beside or below the larynx , my ENT doctor keeps telling me its only reflux at your age , and i have many a times before this problem felt something travelling up my throat chirping like a bird but i have been having this throat problem now for a month , its surely not getting better , i even have developed some cough and mild hoarseness , i have for last 1-1.5 years smoked a little amount of 5 ciggeates per week , i am fearing the worst if it could just be an early symptom of larynx cancer since i read it on internet , what should i do , should i tell my doctor just to perform all the tests irrespective of what he thinks or should i follow his advice

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Most likely to be GERD

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

The symptoms you are experiencing is most likely due to GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease). Given your age laryngeal cancer is not of concern even if you have history of smoking. However, please be advised to discontinue sokinhmg if you haven't already done so.

An ENT evaluation with indirect(mirror laryngoscopy), which is a simple outpatient examination, can assess the health of larynx to put your mind at ease.

Management of GERD is detailed below

Avoid spicy, fatty, and fried foods as well as chocolates and carbonated drinks.
Avoid citrus-containing foods like tomatoes, oranges, and fruit juices.
Eat multiple small portions of food rather than three large meals.
Limit caffeine intake.
Have your dinner at least two hours before bedtime, so that your stomach is light before you go to bed.

Elevate the head end of the bed by placing wooden blocks under the bed post. Using extra pillows will not provide relief.
Avoid cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption.
Maintain a healthy weight.
You can also take Pantoprazole 20 mg in the morning before breakfast daily.

Hope this answers your question. Please let me know if you need further clarification.
Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (40 hours later)

my doctor yesterday inserted a mirror in my mouth holding my tongue and said to say eeee , most probably he performed laryngoscopy and told me its very red and congested and changed the medicines , he said there's nothing serious or to be worried about , is this test enough ?

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (56 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
See details below

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

The test your doctor performed is laryngoscopy. It provides a good view of larynx and is more than enough. Red, congested larynx is indicative of inflammation and can occur due to infection, allergy, or GERD. Please be advised to take medications as prescribed. There is nothing to be worried about.

Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi

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