Chronic Throat Clearing
Dr. Brian Rotskoff, Chicago Allergist, helps a great number of patients overcome the irritating and damaging effects of chronic throat clearing. Often elusive in diagnosis, chronic throat clearing can start with something as simple as a sinus infection or a more complex anatomical or neuropathic condition. Most patients report a constant, irritating constant tickle in throat but no associated throat pain.
Left untreated, throat clearing can evolve into a persistent habit that is exacerbated by throat inflammation. Ultimately, patients risk permanently damaging their vocal cords and the nerves of the throat.
Throat clearing may start as a minor habit, but it becomes something that requires treatment to break. Often there’s real damage to the throat and vocal cords that must be addressed.
Chronic Throat Clearing Causes
The underlying causes of chronic throat clearing can be very complex and difficult to isolate:
- Asthma
- Anatomical factors of the throat, uvula, or tonsils
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and seasonal allergies
- Post-nasal drip, thickened mucus, or itchy throat
- Chronic sinusitis and chronic sinus infections
- Laryngeal sensory neuropathy or chronic cough
- Acid reflux from conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
- Side effects from certain blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors)
Throat Clearing Treatment and Relief
Dr. Brian Rotskoff can help break your cycle of chronic throat clearing through proper diagnosis and application of the most targeted remedies. Finding the right treatment will allow your throat and vocal cords to heal, reducing nerve sensitivity and eliminating the constant urge to clear your throat.
Because chronic throat clearing can occasionally be associated with a more severe underlying medical disorder, patients should have their throat-clearing and chronic irritation evaluated by a physician.
Schedule a consultation with throat clearing expert, Dr. Brian Rotskoff, MD.
