HomeAnswersInternal Medicinelaryngopharyngeal refluxThroat irritation with phlegm is not improving with medications. Why?

I get phlegm in my throat with irritation for a long period. What could be the cause?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At September 24, 2020
Reviewed AtDecember 14, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I got a few inquiries about my current situation. I was suffering from this white phlegm in my throat for six months that bothers me, especially when sleeping. I consulted an ENT online who said that I was suffering from laryngopharyngeal reflux, and she prescribed me antacids and PPI for two weeks. I took Tums and Nexium for two weeks. It helps, but it does not eradicate. I met a doctor, and he said that what I have is not reflux but an allergy due to the weather. So, I took Claritin once a day for a week. It helps, but the phlegm is still there. Until now, my throat still has white phlegm and bothers me at night time. What illness is this? I am suffering this for about six or seven months.

When I arrived in my hometown last month, I got a wound on my right foot. It is itchy, and I was scratching the sides of the wound. Eventually, there was a small bruise that forms a circle and turns to the wound then appears red with yellow pus. I cleaned it with lukewarm water and applied the Betadine solution afterward. The wounds dry up, but there is still a little pus in it. Somebody told me (not a doctor) not to eat chicken and pork because these foods could trigger it, especially that it is itchy and what I have is not an ordinary wound. But last night, I unintentionally ate chicken and hours passed after eating, my feet were itchy, and this morning I noticed rashes like thing spreading in my legs and arms. It is a tiny red rash. It is itchy too. Is this an allergy, or is there something wrong in my blood?

I also have this little bruise on my tongue's right side and two circle spots in my tongue. The bruise in my tongue is a little bit painful. I do not know what this is, but please advise. I am 33 years old.

Answered by Dr. Sugreev Singh

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for the detailed history and attaching pictures (attachment removed to protect identity).

As you mentioned, the previous doctor said it could be reflux. This can be true, but such a prolonged duration and still not healing suspect oral infection, which is most commonly caused by bacteria (like pharyngitis or tonsillitis) since you did not take any antibiotics that is why it is not healing. Other thing about bruises and injuries that is also not healing quickly because you have infection and pus is seen in infection only like cellulitis. So I would recommend you to take antibiotics and anti-allergic drugs for five days and let us see improvement.

Take tablet Augmentin (Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid) 375 mg twice daily after meals for five days, Pantop 40 mg once daily before meal for five days, multivitamin 500 mg once a day before or after meals for 10 days, tablet Cetirizine 10 mg once daily after meals for five days.

Apply Beclomethasone and Clotrimazole cream two to three times daily on rashes or wounds. Clean them with Betadine as you were doing. After completing this course, we will see further. Please do not continue these after seven days.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I need a valid prescription to present to the pharmacy, especially for this Augmentin (antibiotic), so that I will be able to purchase it from the pharmacy. Pantop brand for heartburn or acid reflux is not available here in our place. Would it be fine to ask for a replacement for it? Esomeprazole, omeprazole, etc. Are Cetrizine and Cetirizine the same? Beclomethasone and Clotrimazole - is this refers to one name of cream or two cream names. Please advise.

Answered by Dr. Sugreev Singh

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I will write a prescription and send you. You can replace with Pantop with Omeprazole 40 mg. I prescribed this because after taking medicine you might have acidity or stomach upset so to prevent that Omeprazole is given. Cetirizine 10 mg you should take by mistake I typed Cetrizine for that.

Yes, Beclomethasone and Clotrimazole are referred to two creams. There are creams which contains Beclomethasone and Clotrimazole, so if you can buy that combination it is fine.

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

Dr. Sugreev Singh
Dr. Sugreev Singh

Internal Medicine

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