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Is long-term throat discomfort in an adult a serious issue?

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

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am 21 years old. I have been having pharyngeal discomfort in the last two years, coughing more often than I used to before, but I somehow got used to it, and I did not see a doctor. Also, I have discomfort when swallowing. I have never smoked in my life and have healthy habits.

I also observed a weird white membrane. Is it alright, or is this the cause? I have provided links to a photo and a video. Kindly advise.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Manu Wilfred

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Manu Wilfred is a dedicated Otolaryngologist specializing in the medical and surgical management of ear, nose, throat, and related disorders. He is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care, helping patients restore function, relieve discomfort, and improve their overall quality of life through tailored ENT solutions.

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

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

From your history and video (attachment removed to protect patient identity), my diagnosis would be post-nasal drip with chronic pharyngitis. The visualization of the mucus discharge in the throat with congestion in the pharynx points to this diagnosis. The usual causes of this condition are chronic sinusitis, nasal polyposis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, post viral flu, tumors in the nose and nasopharynx.

The initial treatment involves warm salt water gargles, decongestant nasal drops (Xylometazoline), three drops three times a day only for seven days, antibiotic (capsule Amoxycillin 500, if not allergic) twice a day (morning and evening). Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her, and start taking the medicines with their consent. If there is no relief with these treatments after seven days, kindly consult your doctor for a detailed examination and expert management.

Wish you good health.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At February 8, 2018
Reviewed At February 26, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Manu Wilfred is a dedicated Otolaryngologist specializing in the medical and surgical management of ear, nose, throat, and related disorders. He is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care, helping patients restore function, relieve discomfort, and improve their overall quality of life through tailored ENT solutions.

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

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

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:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Manu Wilfred is a dedicated Otolaryngologist specializing in the medical and surgical management of ear, nose, throat, and related disorders. He is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care, helping patients restore function, relieve discomfort, and improve their overall quality of life through tailored ENT solutions.

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

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