Mucosal infection

What is it?

An inflammation of the mucous membrane in the throat due to reflux of acid reflux from the stomach and oesophagus.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary greatly from person to person:

• the feeling that you have increased mucous in your throat
• clearing your throat
• a lump in throat feeling that does not go away after swallowing multiple times
• a feeling of pressure in the throat
• hoarseness
• a persistent dry cough

However, most patients do not feel true pyrosis symptoms (rising acid at the sternum).

Diagnosis

A throat endoscopy using a flexible scope introduced through the nose can examine the throat cavity, vocal cords and the entrance to the oesophagus. The signs of acid reflux in the throat are non-specific (redness, swelling behind the vocal cords).

Additional stomach and oesophagus examination (gastroscopy) can be done via the gastroenterology department for further investigation of the underlying causes.

Treatment

Dietary measures are not always a sufficient treatment. An antacid is generally started for 1 - 3 months to deal with this inflammation.

Latest publication date: 15/05/2024
Supervising author: Dr Vermeiren Judith