HomeAnswersOtolaryngology (E.N.T)viral infectionWhat is constant throat clearing a symptom of?

I feel some phlegm keep sticking behind my nose, and I regularly keep clearing my throat. Why?

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Published At February 15, 2021
Reviewed AtJanuary 21, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 26-year-old male, and I have been having problems with my throat for over a month. I feel some phlegm keeps sticking behind my nose. I have seen an ENT surgeon who performed a nasal endoscopy, which all looked fine, with no inflammation signs on my voicebox. I am regularly clearing my throat. I have tried PPI (proton pump inhibitor) and double doses that does not make much difference. I take Gaviscon Advance daily, and I am currently trying an antihistamine. I am stuck in what the cause could be. Any advice would be appreciated.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As per your history, you are having discomfort because of the thick nasal discharge behind the throat, and the most common causes include allergy, viral infection, and cold climate. Treatment: 1) Tablet Levocetirizine 5 mg PO (after meals) hs (at night) for seven days. 2) Tablet N-acetylcysteine 600 mg PO od (once daily) for seven days. 3) Saline Nasal drop three drops three times a day for seven days. 4) Gargle with warm salt water three times a day for seven days. 5) Take steam inhalation twice a day. I hope this will help you. Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have been trying to figure out if it is LPR or reflux related. I have been following a low acid diet but no benefit. If it was reflux related the nasal endoscopy would have shown signs of inflammation in the voicebox area, right? I will try your recommendation. Thankyou.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yeah, in the case of LPR (laryngopharyngeal reflux), you would have signs of inflammation in the posterior pharyngeal wall. However, your voice box area can be normal. The most common symptoms of LPR include throat clearing, cough, throat irritation, and some may have post nasal drip. As you are already taking PPI (proton pump inhibitors), there should have been some improvements if it was due to LPR. Thank you.

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

Dr. Sandeep Shrestha
Dr. Sandeep Shrestha

Otolaryngology (E.N.T)

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