What causes tightness, a burning sensation, difficulty swallowing, and dryness around the throat?

Question

Hello doctor,

I feel tightness around my throat, and I have difficulty swallowing, throat dryness, and a burning sensation. What to do?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query, and I am sorry for such acute discomfort you are having.

1) For how long have you had the above symptoms?

2) Is it associated with mild fever?

3) Do you mean a burning sensation in the throat or soreness of the throat?

4) Do you have dry cough?

5) Any symptoms of a runny nose?

6) Do you have any associated headaches?

I am a little confused about the burning sensation because it happens most commonly due to the reflux of gastric acidity. If there is any soreness of the throat, it would probably be due to a common cold or upper respiratory tract infection. In standard cold or acute pharyngitis, there is soreness of the throat and not a burning sensation, so I am trying to distinguish the symptoms you mentioned.

I would suggest the following:

1. Take a tablet of Paracetamol (anti-inflammatory and antipyretic) 500 mg once or twice a day if there is any pain or soreness of the throat or associated headache.

2. Do lukewarm water gargle 2 to 3 times a day.

3. Take antacid medications like tablet Pantoprazole 40 mg once a day on an empty stomach if there is any reflux acidity and gastric discomfort due to gas.

4. If symptoms point towards acute pharyngitis due to a common cold, you may consider taking an antibiotic after five days if it does not clear away with the above measures.

5. Avoid cold food or water intake.

6. Maintain adequate hydration by taking normal water.

I hope this has helped.

Please reply to the above questions to guide you better.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I am very sorry to read that you had stroke four months back. I hope it was mild and you are recovering under the guidance of your doctor. I pray for improvement and return of the body functions in the upcoming days.

It is not acute pharyngitis. I hope you are able to eat correctly. It is due to gastric reflux, probably because burping relieves the burning sensation. You may take frequent sips of water to prevent drying up of the throat and gas medication as instructed. Since I do not know other details of the present problem, you should consult your primary doctor to get relief from the above symptoms if the issue is very concerning.

I hope this has helped you out.

I wish you a speedy recovery.