What causes a thick white mucus at the back throat?
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I am experiencing a lot of white mucus in the back of the throat for a year now. It inhibits swallowing and forcing me to hack it up and spit it out. This makes my voice scratchy. I do not have any other symptoms. I consulted an ENT doctor previously and he suggested me to take a proton pump inhibitor. But it did not help me.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern. There are two causes for your complaints. The first cause can be reflux from your stomach and so the doctor has suggested you to take a proton pump inhibitor. The second cause can be a postnasal drip. Regarding reflux, taking a proton pump inhibitor will not help you. You need to do some lifestyle changes. Avoid taking spicy foods. Eat on time. Your stomach should not be empty for more than two hours. Do not sleep immediately after eating. Have a gap of atleast two to three hours of time between your meal and sleep. Try to keep your head elevated by a couple of inches while sleeping. Regarding postnasal drip, please mention whether you have frequent episodes of cold or nasal discharge. If yes, take appropriate medications for it. I suggest follow these medications to have some relief. Continue taking Proton pump inhibitor. You can take tablet Pantoprazole 40 mg once daily before breakfast. If you have a cold, you can take antibiotics. You can take Amoxicillin 500 mg twice daily for three days. You can take an antihistamine like Levocetirizine 5 mg once daily before sleep. You can use nasal decongestant Oxymetazoline thrice daily in both nostrils.
The Probable causes
Investigations to be done
Differential diagnosis
Treatment plan
Regarding follow up
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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