What Causes Persistent Sore Throat On Right Side And Back Pain?

Posted on Wed, 22 Jun 2016

Question: Hello, At night, I continue to have a very bad sore throat- but only on one side (the right). Simultaboulsy, I also have back pain (at the right clavicle). Both are bad enough to wake me, and keep me awake for hours at night. I do not notice/feel anything during the day. This has been going on for two months +/-.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Obstruction in the nasal airway or acid reflux disease...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

1. Sore throat during night time could be related to either obstructive nasal airway or acid reflux disease.

2. Obstructive nasal airway causes mouth breathing. While breathing through the mouth, the moisture in the throat is carried into the lungs leaving the throat dry and sore.

3. Similarly, the reflux of acid from the stomach into the throat causes inflammation in the posterior pharyngeal wall, causing sore throat. The symptoms are worse in the night, because, in the supine position, the oesophagus is more horizontal and the acid contents flow back easily into the throat.

4. During regurgitation of the acid contents from the stomach, all along the oesophagus into the throat, there is inflammation of the entire tract. This could be one of the reasons for the back pain.

5. Consult your doctor for a complete evaluation of the throat and nose. Doctor may advise flexible endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis. Medicines like proton pump inhibitors, prokinetic and saline nasal spray can relieve your symptoms.

Hope this answers your query. I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards

Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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