Mucosal infection

What is it?

It is an infection (inflammation) of the mucous in the throat or 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

Most patients, however, have no feeling of true pyrosis (acid that travels up to 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).

An additional stomach and oesphageal exam (gastroscopy) can be performed by the Gastroenterology Department in order to explore underlying causes.

Treatment

Dietary measures are not always a sufficient treatment. A stomach acid reducer is usually started for one to three months in order to get the inflammation under control.

Latest publication date: 13/12/2023
Supervising author: Dr Vermeiren Judith