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Questions & Answers

Q&A

Answered by Dr. Bhadragiri Vageesh Padiyar

What are the common causes of chronic phlegm in the throat?

Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Constant irritation in the throat with phlegm can be due to two significant reasons: Allergic issues in the nose, wherein there is some irritative substance entering; thereby, the nose initially produces a sneezing reflex to remove the offending agent. Besides, the nasal mucosa produces mucus to trap the offending agent so that it does not go into your lungs along with your breath. Irritative substances usually include dust, smoke, fumes, pollen, and animal dander most commonly. Take adequate precautions by wearing an N95 mask.

June 3, 2026

Though mumps infection resolved before 8 years, submandibular swelling remains the same. Why?

Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. There is absolutely nothing that you need to worry about. Can you specify which glands have an underlying hard lump? If it is the parotid gland and you feel there is an underlying hard mass below, I would recommend an ultrasound of the same to ascertain what is the cause of such long term hard lump. Lymphomas present in a different fashion and there is nothing that you need to worry about. First, we need to get to know what is the probable reason for the persistent swelling in the gland and if require a fine needle aspiration cytology can also be done to confirm the cause out there.

June 1, 2026

I am getting a ringing sound in my ear when I am sitting below the fan. Why?

Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. You need not worry, as this is a very common treatable entity we come across. You have developed what we call Eustachian tube catarrh, which has developed secondary to nasal allergy/inflammation. The eustachian tube basically ventilates the nose and the ear. A negative pressure develops in the ear's side in a situation where it does not function, leading to a feeling of vacuum, ringing sounds, feeling of fluid in the ear, and sometimes decreased hearing.

May 25, 2026

What causes discharge from the nose post-dental treatment?

Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. There is a high possibility that you have probably developed an oroantral fistula or you a dentigerous cyst. In both cases, there are typical discharge from both the nasal and oral cavity (even though the nasal discharge would be more than the discharge from the alveolar region). Before we prescribe anything, I would advise you to get a non-contrast computed tomography of the nose and paranasal sinuses to ascertain what is the cause of the nasal discharge which has not resolved even after the treatment. In the meanwhile, you can consider the following treatment.

May 13, 2026

Why do I have a painful bump near my ear canal?

Hello,Welcome to icliniq.com.I have gone through your query and understand your concern.Thanks for briefing me regarding your concern. I had a detailed look at the picture you sent (attachment removed to protect patient identity).There is absolutely nothing you need to worry about, as this is a very common condition that we see regularly.

May 7, 2026

How to manage a chronic night cough in toddlers?

Hello,Welcome to icliniq.com.I have gone through your query and understand your concern.The most common reason for having a stuffy nose associated with mucus in the nose and throat in an approximately two-year-old age group can be attributed to adenoid hypertrophy.Adenoids are lymphoid aggregates present in the nasopharyngeal region and represent the first line of defense for the body. They often increase in size, most commonly between the ages of two and eight years.

May 6, 2026

What could cause a sudden ear block?

Hi,Welcome to icliniq.com.With the symptoms that you have, the most probable possibility is impacted wax. It can be highly frustrating as it blocks the entire ear canal and can cause pain and decreased hearing.I suggest the following advice: 1) Please stop using earbuds at any cost as it: Introduces new infection into the ear canal and can be the reason for severe folliculitis. You can end up traumatizing the ear canal and eardrum since cleaning your ear on your own is ultimately a blind technique.

April 16, 2026

Why do I have chest pain when I cough?

Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have read your query and understand your concern. Based on the symptoms you’ve described, including persistent postnasal drip, sneezing, and chest discomfort while coughing, two primary conditions could be contributing to your pain: 1. Allergic rhinitis occurs when allergens such as dust, smoke, pollen, pet dander, or environmental irritants trigger inflammation in the nasal passages. The body responds by sneezing to expel the irritant and increasing mucus production (postnasal drip) to trap particles before they reach the lungs.

April 15, 2026

How to manage allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma?

Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand how frustrating it must be to deal with these symptoms for such a long time. Based on what you have described, the most likely cause is severe allergic rhinitis (nasal allergy) along with associated sinusitis (inflammation or infection of the sinus cavities around the nose). When you are exposed to dust or any substance your body is sensitive to, your nose first tries to protect you by triggering sneezing. If that is not enough, the lining of your nose produces excess mucus to trap the irritant.

April 6, 2026

What are the causes of painful breathing and throat pain?

Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. The most common reason for having these symptoms can definitely be a feature of chronic silent GERD with LPR (gastroesophageal reflux with laryngopharyngeal reflux). Even if you are asymptomatic as far as gastric issues are concerned, throat inflammation can be present in a hidden form and may resurface if adequate care is not taken. Now, why does hidden acid reflux become so problematic? As you know, the stomach usually contains cells that release hydrochloric acid, keeping the gastric environment acidic.

March 27, 2026

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