What Causes Hoarseness Of Voice And Difficulty Swallowing?

Posted on Tue, 6 Jan 2015

Question: Hello Doc,
I am 30 years old male with smoking history.I have been diagnosed with GERD 5 years ago and had nissan fundoplication, now for last one month i have hoarseness. hoarseness started severe and with medication it is now mild. i have little pain while swallowing and in the morning when i wake up and spit very thick mucus with very little blood in it. I also feel sensation to clear my throat constantly as if mucus is stuck in back of my throat. I went to ENT he inserted a camera tube through my nose and told its because of reflux. all symptoms improved with his meds. I am not totally fine. I am little worried. Can you help?

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
seems to be recurrence

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I had gone through your question and understand your concerns that you had acid laryngitis (hoarseness of vice, difficulty in swallowing), underwent laryngoscpy from a local ent surgeon, on antacid medications.

As per your clinical details, it appears to be (most likely)-

Recurrence of GERD (seen in 5-10 % cases post nisson fundoplication after few years of successful surgery).

I suggest you to continue same medications for 4-6 weeks (erosive gastritis with acid laryngitis) and observe for symptoms. In case of persistence of symptoms, you need to visit your operated surgeon.

Meantime, stop smoking, alcohol, spicy diet. Take small 6 meals instead of large 3. Keep head elevated in sleeping posture by supporting extra pillows.

If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Wishing you good health

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

Follow up: Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (19 minutes later)

I have stopped smoking for 3 weeks now, i can not go back to the doctor who treated me because i moved from XXXXXXX to USA. what is cause of blood in mucus in the morning alone and it is very thick as well?

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
erosive gastritis.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

Thanks for considering my answer and for your follow up.

As such, early morning spit up mucus with blood suggests erosive gastritis and coughed mucus with blood is seen bronchitis due to smoking.

Do not worry. Continue the medications strictly and follow the instructions, what I have already mentioned. It will stop.

Hope, I have answered your query.

Take care.

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

Follow up: Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (31 minutes later)

Thanks Doc for valuable reply and time!

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
always welcome.

Detailed Answer:

Hello again,

Thanks for considering my answer and for your follow up.

You are always welcome.

Take care.

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. Prasad