Throat Disorders
Disorders of the throat may be caused by inflammation, infection, or growths such as polyps, ulcers or even cancerous tumors.
Throat problems are very common, especially in young children. A sore throat is usually minor and may go away on its own. However, some sore throats can be caused by a streptococcus (usually called just strep) bacteria and may require an antibiotic. If you see white patches on the back of your throat, you should suspect strep throat and see your doctor.
If you have a lump or sore that doesnt go away, trouble swallowing or hoarseness and especially if you smoke and drink alcohol, you may be at risk for throat or mouth cancers. If found early these kinds of cancers are often curable. See your doctor to get the right diagnosis.
Recently Answered
- Q How do other conditions cause hoarseness?
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Hoarseness comes about because the vocal folds are not able to move freely. Underlying conditions may cause swelling or a lump on the vocal folds. In a healthy voice, the vocal folds vibrate to make sound. The swelling or lumps restrict the folds from... Full Answer
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- Q Can smells make me cough and clear my throat?
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The lining of the larynx (mucosa) is extremely sensitive to things that should not be entering the lungs. Things like food, liquids, irritants, smoke, chemicals, and heavy odors can all cause a rapid response. These responses include coughing, gagging,... Full Answer
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- Q What is swallowing re-training and when is it used?
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Sometimes there's no way to remove or reduce whatever is making it difficult to swallow. In that case an expert, called a speech-language pathologist, designs a program to adjust to a specific person's obstacles. Among the options this expert may choose:... Full Answer
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- Q How do medications treat hypogeusia?
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Medications can help treat and resolve some of the underlying causes of hypogeusia. Infections, allergies, and dehydration are among the more easily treatable causes of hypogeusia for which medication may be an option. Good dental hygiene is essential to... Full Answer
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- Q Is hoarseness serious?
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Hoarseness is only serious if the cause is serious. Long-lasting hoarseness may indicate a serious condition like laryngeal cancer or vocal cord lesions. However, hoarseness is often not serious and will go away on its own. Full Answer
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- Q How does hypogeusia affect the body?
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Hypogeusia is a taste disorder, and taste impairment can have serious health consequences. A reduction in the ability to taste might cause you to eat differently. Hypogeusia might cause you to overeat, not eat enough, or overuse sugar and salt. These... Full Answer
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- Q When should I have my tonsils looked at?
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If you've been told you have big tonsils, that may not mean you need treatment. But in some cases, big tonsils may cause problems. In this video, Dr. Rick Jensen discusses the red flags that mean you should see a doctor. Full Answer
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- Q What could cause a lump in my throat?
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Dr. Anthony Komaroff, Internal MedicineDoctors sometimes use the term "globus sensation" for the feeling of a lump in the throat. It's one of those minor maladies about which we know only a little, since medical research focuses mainly on the diseases that are disabling or fatal... Full Answer
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- Q Why do I have mucous buildup in my throat?
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Dr. Anthony Komaroff, Internal MedicineYou can get mucus in the throat from: Nasal problems Sinus infections Swallowing disorder Acid reflux (GERD) Also some people produce excess saliva or can't swallow normally. This excess saliva can result in mucus collecting in the throat.Mucus that... Full Answer
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- Q Why did my doctor swab my sore throat?
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A doctor will usually take a throat culture to determine the presence of the streptococcal bacteria in the throat. This is done by swiping the throat area with a cotton swab that is then analyzed in a laboratory. If the strep bacteria are... Full Answer
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