HomeAnswersOtolaryngology (E.N.T)bad breathCan a torn throat cartilage trap food and cause bad breath?

Can a torn cartilage in the throat trap food and cause bad breath?

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Published At December 6, 2017
Reviewed AtJanuary 18, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Can a torn cartilage in the throat trap food and cause bad breath?

Answered by Dr. Mehak Agarwal

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

There is no cartilage in the oral cavity and oropharynx. A cartilage is present in the larynx (lower throat) and below the larynx. Any injury can cause a tear in the cartilage. But, it will not cause bad breath. Generally, food particles get trapped in the tonsillar crypts in the oral cavity, ferments, and cause bad breath. Also in case of sinusitis, post-nasal drip can cause bad breath. If you have symptoms suggestive of acidity, then acid reflux causes regurgitation of food and causes bad breath. Please describe your symptoms in detail, if you have any associated throat pain, headache, post nasal drip, nose block, acidity, etc. I hope this helps. Thank you.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I do have a constant drip of thin phlegm from the back of my throat. I swallow it all the time.

Answered by Dr. Mehak Agarwal

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

That means you may have a sinus infection. In sinusitis, phlegm gets collected in the hollow bone (sinus) which drains in our nose and so the phlegm comes in our throat. Due to this, the patient has a secondary infection of the throat and halitosis (bad breath). Do you have any nose block, headache, nasal discharge or excessive sneezing, orpain around the eyeball? These symptoms are strongly suggestive of sinusitis. I hope this helps. Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Mehak Agarwal
Dr. Mehak Agarwal

Otolaryngology (E.N.T)

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