Brief Answer:
Not ulcer, but pls do consider GERD, pls read for more info

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. The reason why your mother's doctor has suspected a gastrointestinal (GIT) issue is mainly because of the fact that your mother seems to struggle more at night, i.e. in a supine position.

The reason why a sore throat is more at night in the supine position is due to the acid reflux causing irritation in the throat. But your doctor is wrong partially and correct partially, the problem is not an ulcer but acid reflux which is commonly seen with a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This condition should only be suspected if an infection is ruled out through a blood investigation, and also a visual examination of the throat rules out an infection. Then we can suspect GERD and confirm it with the help of a test called a 24-hour acid pH monitoring.

I understand many people are not really for this diagnosis at this point, but that is the difference between a doctor who is aware of all such conditions and laymen (including your pharmacist). Please keep an open mind and go through the symptoms I am about to list of this condition. Even after that if you think that this is unlikely you must be correct, as I have limited information as this is an online consultation only.

The symptoms are:

+Dry cough
+Regurgitation of food or liquid into your mouth, usually accompanied by a sour taste
+Heart burn
+Chest burn or pain
+Hoarseness of voice (not always seen)
+Difficulty swallowing at times
+Sensation of a lump or something in the throat (either like something is swollen or lodged in the throat)
+Sore throat

Please note, not all these symptoms need to be present as there are different grades of the condition. I would recommend considering the 24-hour acid pH monitoring test to confirm/rule out the condition and then consider others.

I hope you find my response both helpful and informative. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.

---

Brief Answer:
Should be available at all major hospitals and diagnostic centres

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again XXXXXXX

The test should be easily available in most hospitals or diagnostic centres, and if you are going ahead with an investigation, please do consider also getting an upper GI endoscopy at the same time to rule out most of the other GIT conditions so we can then concentrate on other causes directly related to the throat.

Please do not hesitate to keep in touch with me XXXXXXX I am always here to help.

Best wishes.

---