Dr. Shyam Kalyan. N
Otolaryngology (E.N.T)
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I used to smoke and drink in the past. I am having a dull pain in my throat region that is extending to the ear. However, I do not face any difficulty in eating or swallowing food. When I tried to clear my throat, a reddish-brown sputum was secreted along with a few tiny, tonsils-like stones. I visited an ENT specialist. According to him, my throat and nose were completely fine. I got a post-nasal drip. However, I am having a headache at the back of my head. I am terrified that I may have throat cancer. Please help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I went through your query and understood your concern. However, I have a few questions. 1. Do you have a picture of the stones that came out while you spat? 2. Do you have any pictures of the phlegm that came out? I suggest the following instructions mentioned below: 1. Take saline gargles or benzydamine (anti-inflammatory) gargles twice or thrice daily. 2. Take a mucolytic medicine that will help bring out the mucus in a better way. 3. Take a tablet of Protonix (a proton pump inhibitor) 40 milligrams twice daily before meals. Kindly consult a specialist, talk with them and take the medications with their consent I suggest the symptoms appear more like sinusitis than throat cancer. Do not worry about cancer. It is unlikely. Kindly follow up with the answers. I hope this has helped you. Thanks and regards.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your reply. I have noticed an irritation in the left side of my throat for quite some time. It has always been a very dull pain. I have a sensitive spot under my ear, and even my neck muscle is sore. Should I be worried about cancer? Please help.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
The pictures (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity) are suggestive of tonsil stones. Tonsils have small crypts where food and secretions accumulate and form stones. If they form recurrently and cause trouble, I suggest you excise the tonsils. In addition to the stones, mild bleeding can occur when they get pushed out or when there is an infection in the tonsils. The pain may be due to referred pain or due to tubal blockage. The tubal blockage will have additional symptoms of ear fullness or decreased hearing. I hope this has helped you. Thanks and regards.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your reply. There is no ear blockage, and my tonsils are not swollen.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I have a few questions. 1. What is the duration of the pain? 2. Is the pain relieved by any medicines that you have taken? Kindly follow up with the answers. Thanks and regards.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your reply. I have not taken any medicine for the pain. It almost feels like a burning pain sensation.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Does the pain radiate to any other part of the body? I also suggest you take a tablet of Paracetamol (pain analgesic) 650 milligrams thrice daily along with a tablet of Pantoprazole (antacid) 40 milligrams twice daily before meals. This will help to clear any reflux issues that you have been facing. Kindly consult a specialist, talk with them and take the medications with their consent. I hope this has helped you. Thanks and regards.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Does it also cause headache?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Reflux should not cause headaches. However, I suggest you try the treatment for three to four days and see if there is an improvement. I hope this has helped you. Thanks and regards.
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Otolaryngology (E.N.T)
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