What are the causes of nose and throat irritation along with choking during cough?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have had several skin issues (itching and rashes) for almost three years. Last year my nose and throat became extremely irritated, and I am constantly spitting stuff out. However, it has been almost unbearable in the past week. I feel like I am choking on the stuff that comes up when I cough, and I am constantly gagging. The things I spit up are stringy. Sometimes they appear as round circles. I believe that I have a parasite and I assume that has to be a worm. I do not know what to do.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have reviewed your case history and attached pictures (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity) you have forwarded.

1) Your clinical presentation favors skin issues leading to dryness and inflammation of the skin (dermatitis), sometimes having superadded bacterial infections causing worsening of your symptoms.

2) Regarding your throat and nose dryness and irritation, it seems dryness leads to internal mucosa irritation. I can see dry scales on your lips in that picture (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity).

3) Parasitic infections are less likely in healthy individuals and more common in immunocompromised or elderly patients. But if you have concerns related to that, you can go for a simple complete blood profile and check eosinophil counts. This will be raised in parasitic infections. Most of the time, the skin may get fungal infections. For that, simple anti-fungal ointments are available in the market and are effective.

4) If you feel like your symptoms spread than on the skin, you can visit an internal medicine consultant before going to an infectious disease expert because an internal medicine consultant can evaluate you in detail and check any systemic diseases causing such problems.

Wishing you good health.