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What Causes Throat Pain And Frequent Throat Clearing?
Question: Hello, for over the past couple months I've had a pain in my throat- it feels like its in the Adam's apple area, to below it, where the collar bones meet ( middle of the throat area). Sometimes it feels like its in my jaw and up to my ear, and sometimes I feel the need to clear my throat... I don't think i see anything swollen. I'm not sure if this could be Acid Reflux/ Gerd or some kind of cancer
Brief Answer:
As below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. That's the exact area where chronic reflux causes the discomfort. Frequent throat clearing is also a common symptom of chronic reflux. Request your physician to start anti-reflux medication (such as omeprazole, pantoprazole or rabeprazole, and remember to take your morning dose on an empty stomach). A gut motility enhancer (such as domperidone or levosulpiride) will also help.
2. Other causes for discomfort in this area include a globus (lump) sensation due to dryness in the throat (do you snore, have a post nasal drip or have nasal obstruction?) cricopharyngeal muscle spasm (usually due to chronic reflux), anemia or a fear of throat cancer. Throat cancer is rare, especially at your age. It is also likely to cause other symptoms such as a change in voice, breathing, swallowing problems, cough and so on.
3. Take a 8-12 week duration of anti-reflux medication. Meanwhile, since this area is known to cause referred sensations to the jaw and ear, get a Video-Laryngoscopy done. A normal VL'scopy should be enough to rule out throat cancer. It is a simple examination that may be repeated for regular follow up.
4. LPR (Laryngo-Phayngeal Reflux) is unlike GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease). In LPR, chest and food pipe related symptoms are absent.
5. Lifestyle and diet changes are also required to effectively control chronic reflux. Let your physician explain these to you.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
As below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. That's the exact area where chronic reflux causes the discomfort. Frequent throat clearing is also a common symptom of chronic reflux. Request your physician to start anti-reflux medication (such as omeprazole, pantoprazole or rabeprazole, and remember to take your morning dose on an empty stomach). A gut motility enhancer (such as domperidone or levosulpiride) will also help.
2. Other causes for discomfort in this area include a globus (lump) sensation due to dryness in the throat (do you snore, have a post nasal drip or have nasal obstruction?) cricopharyngeal muscle spasm (usually due to chronic reflux), anemia or a fear of throat cancer. Throat cancer is rare, especially at your age. It is also likely to cause other symptoms such as a change in voice, breathing, swallowing problems, cough and so on.
3. Take a 8-12 week duration of anti-reflux medication. Meanwhile, since this area is known to cause referred sensations to the jaw and ear, get a Video-Laryngoscopy done. A normal VL'scopy should be enough to rule out throat cancer. It is a simple examination that may be repeated for regular follow up.
4. LPR (Laryngo-Phayngeal Reflux) is unlike GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease). In LPR, chest and food pipe related symptoms are absent.
5. Lifestyle and diet changes are also required to effectively control chronic reflux. Let your physician explain these to you.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
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. Raju A.T
Answered by
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