Hi doctor,Yesterday I felt like something was stuck in my throat. Today, I noticed a growth in my throat. I am 43 years old, non-smoker, and drink one to two glasses of wine per month. Kindly tell me what this could be?
Hello. I saw the photo you have attached (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Although there is a lot of reflected light, I can make out that you have enlarged tonsils and edematous uvula. However, due to the reflected light and distortion of natural color, I cannot make out whether the area is congested, red or pale. The color is essential to conclude the condition of the mucosa, whether it is inflamed or not. Second, I assume that the only symptom you feel is a sense of something stuck in the throat. There is no pain, fever, cough or thick phlegm, etc. These symptoms if present would indicate infection and you may need antibiotics for that. Hence, in your case, I would like to give the following medicines if you were to come to me in my clinic. A proton pump inhibitor like Prilosec (Omeprazole) or Prevacid (Lansoprazole). These prevent acid reflux into the throat and reduce inflammation and edema inside. Reflux worsens any inflammation in the throat due to constant irritation by the acid that escapes into the esophagus and comes up to the level of the throat. Anti-inflammatory medicines like Chymotrypsin, Trypsin, Bromelain, and Rutoside. These components increase the recovery and hasten healing. They promote mucosal regeneration and reduction of edema. Deslor 5 mg (Desloratadine) will remove any allergic component of the condition. Many a times allergy to any offending agent causes inflammation and enlargement of tonsils. General and supportive measures would be to drink plenty of fluids, avoiding spicy oily and masala foods, drinking plenty of warm water, avoiding smokes and drinks till you are completely better, avoiding the dust outside, wearing a mask if you travel to polluted areas, etc. Suppose there is an infection, the symptoms of which I have told you, then you may need a Macrolide antibiotic, with some decongestants and gargles. Gargles in reflux will worsen or aggravate the symptoms. Hence, I have not suggested gargles now. However, in the event of infection, we will have to tweak the medicines a bit. If you can click a better picture of the throat, without torch light, focussing your smartphone alone with flash, it will be better. Try sending us few more images. Also check for any enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, under the jaw, under the ear, etc. For more information consult an ENT otolaryngologist online -->