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What causes a thick white mucus at the back throat?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

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.

Answered by Dr. Pruthvi Raju Uppalapati

Education:

MS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Pruthvi Raju Uppalapati is an Otolaryngologist skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. His expertise includes managing chronic sinusitis, allergies, hearing loss, balance disorders, voice and swallowing problems, as well as head and neck tumors. He is proficient in performing endoscopic sinus surgeries, tonsillectomies, adenoidectomies, ear surgeries, and other advanced ENT procedures. Dr. Uppalapati is also experienced in offering both medical and surgical solutions tailored to patient needs.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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

You seem to have reflux.

Investigations to be done

You need to do X-ray PNS (paranasal sinus) and direct laryngoscopy.

Differential diagnosis

You seem to have acute rhinosinusitis.

Treatment plan

You can treat the condition by taking medications and by doing lifestyle changes.

Regarding follow up

Have a follow-up after a week.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
Published At April 3, 2020
Reviewed At June 20, 2024

Education:

MS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Pruthvi Raju Uppalapati is an Otolaryngologist skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. His expertise includes managing chronic sinusitis, allergies, hearing loss, balance disorders, voice and swallowing problems, as well as head and neck tumors. He is proficient in performing endoscopic sinus surgeries, tonsillectomies, adenoidectomies, ear surgeries, and other advanced ENT procedures. Dr. Uppalapati is also experienced in offering both medical and surgical solutions tailored to patient needs.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sneha Kannan is a skilled Dental Surgeon with expertise in providing general dental care, including scaling, fillings, and preventive treatments. She does oral surgery procedures such as extractions and minor surgical interventions. She does procedures in restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. She is an expert in doing endodontic treatments such as root canal therapy. She is well-versed in doing procedures in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and smile correction. She can provide pediatric dental care for children’s oral health and preventive treatments. She promotes oral hygiene awareness and preventive dental practices.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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

Education:

MS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Pruthvi Raju Uppalapati is an Otolaryngologist skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. His expertise includes managing chronic sinusitis, allergies, hearing loss, balance disorders, voice and swallowing problems, as well as head and neck tumors. He is proficient in performing endoscopic sinus surgeries, tonsillectomies, adenoidectomies, ear surgeries, and other advanced ENT procedures. Dr. Uppalapati is also experienced in offering both medical and surgical solutions tailored to patient needs.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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