What Causes Persistent Redness And Irritation In Throat After A CT Scan?

Posted on Tue, 13 Oct 2015

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

Tue, 13 Oct 2015 Answered on

Tue, 3 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I persistent redness and irritation to the opening of my throat and the blood vessel are all red and inflamed in the back I did antibiotics for a long period of time but it didn't help. I did have a cat scan once for a possible clot. Could the scan have caused this problem?

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
definitely not

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

the CT scan cannot cause pharyngitis. Other causes have to be considered. If the infectious causes have been excluded (including HIV and other protracted viral causes like the Epstein-Barr virus) then other potential causes may include the following:
- gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Acid reflux may cause local irritation.
- various local irritants (smoking for example)
- allergic reaction to various allergens
- excessive dryness due to sleeping with the mouth open in a dry environment.

I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.

Kind Regards!

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

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (22 minutes later)

So its possibly pharyngitis? Can that last for over a year? I worry it is something bad. I don't smoke but would alcohol make it worse. Wine for example? Why are the blood vessel so red? Besides a retricted diet (if it comes from GERD) is there any medications my doctor can prescribe or natural ways to heal my throat.

Thank you Dr Zografakis

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Many questions, please read the answers...

Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!

Infectious pharyngitis cannot last for even much less than a year. A few weeks duration may occur sometimes but anything more than 1-2 months would be very uncommon. The CT scan you had, may detect tumors in the area. An ENT specialist may search the area for suspicious signs.

If it's GERD you should try to avoid getting your stomach full, lying down after a meal and also avoid some foods which make reflux worse like coffee, citrus fruits (and juice, like orange juice), fatty meals, etc. Try to have more (but smaller) meals. You can also elevate the head of the bed a few centimeters to let gravity prevent the reflux.

I can't suggest anything until the cause gets established. An ENT specialist is the most appropriate doctor to investigate this case.

Kind Regards!

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