DEAR DR;
I'M A HEALTHY AND VERY ACTIVE 25 YEAR OLD. HOWEVER, FOR THE LAST SEVEN OR EIGHT YEARS I HAVE HAD CHRONIC THROAT PAIN IN REGARDS TO "HACKING" UP PHLEGM CONSTANTLY. LITERALLY EVERY TWO MINUTES OR SO. I HAVE TO SWALLOW ALMOST CONSTANTLY. ALSO I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH FOUL SMELLING PIECES OF UNDIGESTED FOOD, I GUESS. I'M NOT SURE IF MY BEING AN AVID SURFER HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT, BUT IT'S A SHOT. COULD LAYING ON MY STOMACH FOR SO LONG AFFECT MY THROAT? FROM READING YOUR PREVIOUS Q/A'S, IT SEEMS THAT I HAVE GASTRO REFLUX, BUT I WANTED TO SEE IF YOU THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE SOMETHING ELSE. IF IT IS SOMETHING MORE OR LESS SERIOUS?
SINCERELY;
Reply ------------------------------
Certainly gastroesophageal refux or a hiatal hernia are strong possibilities. Other conditions that could cause or contribute to your symptoms include chronic tonsil inflammation, sinus inflammation, or irritants such as cigarette smoke or allergies. Most individuals with gastroesophageal reflux can minimize symptoms by following a number of basic measures which include: avoiding large meals within 1-2 hours before going to bed, keeping the head elevated at 2-3 pillows height when in bed, proper fluid intake (especially water), avoidance of irritants (especially cigarette smoke), combined with judicious use of antacids. Some people find gargling daily with solutions of salt and baking soda are helpful (1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp baking soda in approx. 6-8 oz water). If after a few weeks of following these measures you have not seen some degree of improvement then I would recommend that you see a physician, particularly for a detailed examination of your throat. Occasionally prescription medication is needed to initially control symptoms of refux and sometimes they are needed on a more chronic basis. Rarely, surgery may be advised for refractory and severe symptoms.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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