HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

CAT Scan Done, Sinus Results Are Fine, Have Chronic Congestion, Sore Throat, Dry Mouth And Throat

Today I got a CAT scan and my sinuses are clear. I have chronic congestion, a sore throat which can cause me not to be able to talk, dry mouth and throat, some drainage in my throat but otherwise my nose is clear. This seems to be worse when the pollen is bad but I cannot remember the last time my throat was completely clear (years). The doctor is at a loss since the sinuses are fine. What could it be?
Sat, 9 Jun 2012
Report Abuse
  Anonymous's Response
's  Response
Hello,
Your symptoms suggest moderate to severe persistent rhinitis as CT paranasal sinuses have excluded anatomic abnormality or opacified sinuses (i.e., sinusitis excluded).
Allergy testing is an important part in the investigations for persistent rhinitis/rhinosinusitis.
If this is a problem throughout the year (i.e., perennial allergy type symptoms with sneezing, runny nose) then house dust mite allergy is highly likely. Occasionally animal dander allergy (cat, dog) is also a cause but you should be able to determine that yourself quite easily.

Skin testing to exclude house dust mite, animal dander, tree and grass pollens must be done in your case. Blood tests (specific IgE testing) is available for most allergens although it depends on the local healthcare provider. The dry mouth and throat, 'drainage' that you complain is called post-nasal drip and apart from allergies, gastro-esophageal reflux disease (i.e., excess acid secreation from stomach) are the usual causes.
Treatment can only be recommended once the specific cause is identified or a trial of treatment may be initiated if testing is not possible.

Hope that was useful.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Sinusitis


Loading Online Doctors....
CAT Scan Done, Sinus Results Are Fine, Have Chronic Congestion, Sore Throat, Dry Mouth And Throat

Hello, Your symptoms suggest moderate to severe persistent rhinitis as CT paranasal sinuses have excluded anatomic abnormality or opacified sinuses (i.e., sinusitis excluded). Allergy testing is an important part in the investigations for persistent rhinitis/rhinosinusitis. If this is a problem throughout the year (i.e., perennial allergy type symptoms with sneezing, runny nose) then house dust mite allergy is highly likely. Occasionally animal dander allergy (cat, dog) is also a cause but you should be able to determine that yourself quite easily. Skin testing to exclude house dust mite, animal dander, tree and grass pollens must be done in your case. Blood tests (specific IgE testing) is available for most allergens although it depends on the local healthcare provider. The dry mouth and throat, drainage that you complain is called post-nasal drip and apart from allergies, gastro-esophageal reflux disease (i.e., excess acid secreation from stomach) are the usual causes. Treatment can only be recommended once the specific cause is identified or a trial of treatment may be initiated if testing is not possible. Hope that was useful.