Excessive Throat Clearing should not be Neglected

If you are having frequent throat irritation that leads to excessive throat clearing with an occasional feeling of something stuck inside the throat, then you might have something called as Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease (LPRD).

It may also be associated with dry cough and roughness of your voice which may last for many weeks.

This problem occurs when acid from within the stomach travels upwards in the food pipe and causes irritation to your voice box and throat wall.

The recommended treatment is with proton pump inhibitors for a duration of 3 to 6 weeks in addition to a few important lifestyle modifications such as:

• Reduce or avoid the intake of spicy food and fried items.

• Gradually stopping or limiting the intake of tea, coffee and carbonated drinks.

• Avoid cigarette smoking and alcohol.

• Consume plenty of fluids and keep the body rehydrated.

• Keeping a watch on stress/anxiety levels related to work or family.

• Uniformity in food and sleep patterns to be maintained.

• Avoid lying down after meals for at least 2 hours.

• Raise the head end of the bed (not just the pillow).

• Maintain voice hygiene.

The cure for this condition requires a lot of patience and effort, especially from the patient. Medications are only helpful if taken for 3-6 weeks or more in a continuous manner. LPRD may take many weeks to resolve if medications are frequently self-altered or interrupted. Excessive clinical consultations may result in such a case.

For further details regarding LPRD, consult an ENT otolaryngologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/ENT-Otolaryngologist