Suggest Remedies For Throat Irritation

Posted on Fri, 15 Jan 2016

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

Fri, 15 Jan 2016 Answered on

Mon, 7 Mar 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Yes, I am 51 and ashamed and embarrassed to say I have been addicted to smoking cigarettes (light to moderate) for 33 years. I have tried to quit 1,000 times. I am having great difficulty clearing my throat at the very base and am scared. Also, I have been diagnosed with chronic bronchitis in the past.

For years I have had chronic throat clearing but was able to clear it. Now, I just cannot completely clear it. I am trying to clear my throat every other minute. It does not hurt but I cannot clear it. I feel like I need to stick something like a toothbrush down there and twist it around to clear my throat.

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (49 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Possibly GERD

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I am Dr Mittal. I have read your message. I think I can help you.
The fact remains that smoking causes excess gastric acid secretion.
This excess acid , when sleeping , travels up to the throat and causes irritation.
I would suggest that you try to get a prescription for pantocid 40 mg twice a day.
I am sure it will help.
Of course, reducing the number of cigarettes will help you as well.
Best of luck. Dr Mittal.

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