Have A Persistent Need Of Clearing Throat. Underlying Cause?

Posted on Sun, 2 Jun 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 2 Jun 2013 Answered on

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a persitent clearing of my throat. been going on for many monthe. No phlegm, just a constant need to clear my throat.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (49 minutes later)

Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. The possible causes for frequent clearing of the throat are:
a. Acid reflux: LPR (laryngopharyngeal reflux) has no chest related symptoms, unlike GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
b. Lymphoid hypertrophy in the throat: Including Granular Pharyngitis, hypertrophy of the lingual tonsils and allergy.
c. Dryness in the throat: Mouth breathing due to snoring / Sleep Apnea, decreased salivation (age related).
d. A post nasal drip: less likely due to absence of phlegm.

2. Get a Videolaryngoscopy done. It will help decide further treatment. Do you have any cough?

3. You may also get a Sleep Study done. Weight loss will help.

I hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar