Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Persistent Sore Throat?
Question: Hi,
I have had a sore throat for several weeks. I went to the gp a few weeks ago and they said it was viral although my gland weren't up or I did not have puss on my throat. I did not get prescribed anything.
I went back to the gp today with same symtoms and he noticed a black spot on my throat and told me to keep an eye on any changes. He prescribed a nasal spray.
My symptoms are sore throat, not overly sore. Hard to explain.
Phlegm, coughing and horse voice.
The gp has me concerned about his black spot! Just looking for second opinions pls
I have had a sore throat for several weeks. I went to the gp a few weeks ago and they said it was viral although my gland weren't up or I did not have puss on my throat. I did not get prescribed anything.
I went back to the gp today with same symtoms and he noticed a black spot on my throat and told me to keep an eye on any changes. He prescribed a nasal spray.
My symptoms are sore throat, not overly sore. Hard to explain.
Phlegm, coughing and horse voice.
The gp has me concerned about his black spot! Just looking for second opinions pls
Brief Answer:
Probably looks like a benign melanotic macule
Detailed Answer:
Hi,thank you for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
Looking at the image of the brownish spot on your soft palate,it looks like a Oral melanotic macule.
Oral melanotic macule is a non-cancerous (benign), dark spot found on the lips or inside the mouth due to increased melanin pigmentation.
At present, no treatment is required except stop smoking if you do at all.
It would be advisable to consult an Oral Physician/Otolaryngologist doctor if any new dark spot appears on the lips or inside the mouth or this existing spot changes size, shape, or color.
Looking at the symptoms of sore throat, cough, hoarse voice, it suggests that probably you are suffering from inflammation of the throat and Voice-box(Larynx).
At present you may find relief by taking the following medication:
Analgesic with Anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen, Antacid like Ranitidine 150mg twice daily before food, Antihistaminic like Cetrizine 10mg at bedtime, Cough expectorant like syp Ambroxol 10ml twice daily (you may need a prescription from your local physician).
Also do steam inhalation. Do warm saline Gargles.
Give the voice rest. For at least 1 week, speak only if it is necessary. Don't speak in high pitches or whisper. If needed, speak in a soft voice after taking deep breath.
Drink lots of warm fluids. Avoid cold food and dust.
Hope this answers your question. I would be happy to answer if you have any follow-up questions.
Take care.
Probably looks like a benign melanotic macule
Detailed Answer:
Hi,thank you for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
Looking at the image of the brownish spot on your soft palate,it looks like a Oral melanotic macule.
Oral melanotic macule is a non-cancerous (benign), dark spot found on the lips or inside the mouth due to increased melanin pigmentation.
At present, no treatment is required except stop smoking if you do at all.
It would be advisable to consult an Oral Physician/Otolaryngologist doctor if any new dark spot appears on the lips or inside the mouth or this existing spot changes size, shape, or color.
Looking at the symptoms of sore throat, cough, hoarse voice, it suggests that probably you are suffering from inflammation of the throat and Voice-box(Larynx).
At present you may find relief by taking the following medication:
Analgesic with Anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen, Antacid like Ranitidine 150mg twice daily before food, Antihistaminic like Cetrizine 10mg at bedtime, Cough expectorant like syp Ambroxol 10ml twice daily (you may need a prescription from your local physician).
Also do steam inhalation. Do warm saline Gargles.
Give the voice rest. For at least 1 week, speak only if it is necessary. Don't speak in high pitches or whisper. If needed, speak in a soft voice after taking deep breath.
Drink lots of warm fluids. Avoid cold food and dust.
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. Arnab Banerjee
Thanks for the answer. I will follow your guides.
I forgot to mention i was diagnosed with a hiatus hernia a couple of year ago. I sometime dont take the omperzole reguarly, tend to only take when i fell i need to. Could this be causing an issue?
I forgot to mention i was diagnosed with a hiatus hernia a couple of year ago. I sometime dont take the omperzole reguarly, tend to only take when i fell i need to. Could this be causing an issue?
Brief Answer:
Yes,Hiatal Hernia induced Gastro-esophageal Reflux may be a cause.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,thank you for your reply and the additional information.
Yes,Hiatal Hernia induced Gastro-esophageal Reflux may lead to inflammation in the throat and Voice box-larynx.
You should take medicines like Omeprazole or Rantac which reduce the acid formation and Antacid like Digene gel which neutralizes the acid in the stomach.
Also take following life-style measures:
Treating obesity/overweight in you are suffering from obesity/over weight by reducing daily caloric intake and aerobic physical activity.
Changing food habits:Avoid High-fat foods and chocolate as they might reduce LES(lower esophageal sphincter) pressure or prolong gastric emptying leading to reflux.Increase fiber intake.Increase fruit and vegetable intake. Reduce spicy and sweet food intake. Reduce carbohydrate beverage intake as they can also decrease XXXXXXX pressure.Reduce acid beverage intake (orange or apple juice).Reduce alcohol and coffee.
Eat food slowly.After eating,have a minimum gap of 2-3 hours for sleeping.Elevating the head of the bed when sleeping to allow gravity to prevent acid from refluxing into the esophagus.
Small frequent meals may help instead of eating two or three larger meals a day.
Avoid coughing or vomiting forcefully,straining during bowel movements and
lifting heavy objects.
Hope this answers your question.Take care.
Yes,Hiatal Hernia induced Gastro-esophageal Reflux may be a cause.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,thank you for your reply and the additional information.
Yes,Hiatal Hernia induced Gastro-esophageal Reflux may lead to inflammation in the throat and Voice box-larynx.
You should take medicines like Omeprazole or Rantac which reduce the acid formation and Antacid like Digene gel which neutralizes the acid in the stomach.
Also take following life-style measures:
Treating obesity/overweight in you are suffering from obesity/over weight by reducing daily caloric intake and aerobic physical activity.
Changing food habits:Avoid High-fat foods and chocolate as they might reduce LES(lower esophageal sphincter) pressure or prolong gastric emptying leading to reflux.Increase fiber intake.Increase fruit and vegetable intake. Reduce spicy and sweet food intake. Reduce carbohydrate beverage intake as they can also decrease XXXXXXX pressure.Reduce acid beverage intake (orange or apple juice).Reduce alcohol and coffee.
Eat food slowly.After eating,have a minimum gap of 2-3 hours for sleeping.Elevating the head of the bed when sleeping to allow gravity to prevent acid from refluxing into the esophagus.
Small frequent meals may help instead of eating two or three larger meals a day.
Avoid coughing or vomiting forcefully,straining during bowel movements and
lifting heavy objects.
Hope this answers your question.Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
Many thanks for your detailed answers.
Brief Answer:
You are most welcome
Detailed Answer:
Hi,I am glad to see your reply.
You are most welcome.
Wishing you a good health.
You are most welcome
Detailed Answer:
Hi,I am glad to see your reply.
You are most welcome.
Wishing you a good health.
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. Remy Koshy
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
