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I have a minty feeling in my nose and throat when I breathe for past one year. Please help.

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Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have been having a menthol or minty feeling in my nose and throat when I breathe for more than a year. I have been placing on Gaviscon and Nexium (40 mg) for more than a year, but the feeling persists. Please help me.

Answered by Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It seems that you have been given a treatment considering gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, GERD's predominant symptoms are acid reflux and heartburn, but I do not see that you mention any of those. The fruity smell in the breath can be due to undigested food in the middle of the food pipe (esophagus). It can be in some narrowing of the esophagus secondary to a structural problem. It requires some investigation called barium swallow study. The other common possibility is given your symptoms, and no pain, or heartburn, is esophageal diverticulum. Which is an outpouching of the food pipe, and this again can be diagnosed with a barium swallow. So I suggest you get this done and follow-up with me with reports.

Best Regards.

The Probable causes

Zenker's diverticulum. Esophageal motility disorder such as achalasia.
Answered byDr. Ajeet Kumar
Medically reviewed byDr. Preetha. J
Published At September 19, 2020
Reviewed AtAugust 23, 2023

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

Dr. Ajeet Kumar
Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Medical Gastroenterology

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