Experiencing Persistent Throat Discomfort? Seeking Insights
Hello everyone, I’m a 27-year-old male reaching out for some advice before scheduling a doctor's appointment. I have a history of chronic bronchitis and asthma that has been stable for many years. I haven't experienced any adverse effects and have avoided medication for the last two decades as I approach my thirties. I mention these conditions since I understand they are chronic and will be part of my life moving forward. Now, regarding my current throat issue, I find myself uncertain about what it entails. Originally, I am from a Middle Eastern country where I experienced no such problems. However, since moving to Jakarta a year ago, I felt fine initially. It was only after the first month that I started to notice something lodged in my throat upon waking one day. Despite my efforts to clear it with coughing, nothing changed; it’s not like the typical phlegm that can be expelled. This sensation can be quite bothersome, requiring me to swallow deeply at times, yet it never seems to go away. It’s particularly noticeable after I wake up, and I also feel it emerge during the day, especially when I haven’t eaten or drunk anything for a while. I can only speculate that constant air conditioning use or the pollution in Jakarta might be contributing factors. I had hoped that returning to my usual lifestyle would alleviate the issue, but even after several months back, it has persisted. Does anyone have any insights into what this could be? I’ve never encountered anything like this before. As a side note, I don’t smoke or drink and maintain a fairly healthy lifestyle, so I don’t suspect it’s related to smoke or similar irritants. Thank you in advance for your help, and I apologize if I’ve misused any terms as English is not my first language. ✨💖
Answers (1)
7/9/2025, 8:10:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing persistent throat discomfort, which could stem from several factors, particularly considering your history of chronic bronchitis and asthma. Let’s address your concerns step-by-step.
Key Points
- Your throat discomfort may be linked to environmental factors, such as air quality or irritation from air conditioning, alongside your history of chronic bronchitis and asthma.
- Common causes of a sensation in the throat can include post-nasal drip, allergies, or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).
Explanation
The feeling of something lodged in your throat, especially upon waking or when you haven’t eaten or drunk anything for a while, can often be attributed to:
- Post-nasal drip: This occurs when mucus from your sinuses drips down your throat, often due to allergies or dry air.
- Irritation from allergens or pollutants: Air quality can greatly affect respiratory conditions, and Jakarta's pollution might cause throat discomfort.
- Acid reflux (GERD): Sometimes stomach acid can irritate the throat, leading to a sensation of something stuck.
Given that you also have asthma and chronic bronchitis, any environmental irritants can exacerbate these conditions, leading to throat discomfort.
Next Steps
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. This helps to thin any mucus and keeps your throat moist.
- Use a Humidifier: If you're using air conditioning often, consider a humidifier to maintain humidity levels in your living space. This can help counteract dry air.
- Monitor Allergens: Observe if certain environments or activities worsen your symptoms. Try to minimize exposure to known allergens or pollutants.
- Over-the-Counter Solutions: Consider using saline nasal sprays to alleviate any dryness or congestion. Antihistamines may help if allergies are suspected, but consult a pharmacist if unsure.
- Diet Considerations: Avoid eating large meals before bed and reduce acidic foods (like citrus and tomatoes), as these can exacerbate reflux symptoms.
If your symptoms persist despite these measures, or if you experience new symptoms like shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, or severe pain, it would be a good idea to seek medical advice.
I hope this guidance helps you manage your throat discomfort! If you have further questions or need more details, feel free to ask.
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# 7-Month-Old Child with Abernethy Malformation - Exploring Treatment Options ## [7-Month-Old] Identified with Abernethy Malformation (Congenital Portosystemic Shunt) - Treatment Methods? **Age:** 7 months **Gender:** Female **Height:** Age-appropriate **Weight:** Currently 9 kg, was 2.8 kg at birth **Ethnicity:** Asian **Duration of Symptoms:** Present since birth **Location:** Uzbekistan **Pre-existing Health Issues:** Abernethy malformation (congenital portosystemic shunt), liver hemangiomas, chronic jaundice, anemia **Current Treatments:** Supportive management --- ## INITIAL PRESENTATION (June 2025 - July 2025) Our daughter arrived on **June 27, 2025**, presenting with: - Birth weight: **2.8 kg** - Marked jaundice (yellowing of skin and sclera) - Pale or clay-colored stools - **Bilirubin level: 245 μmol/L** (typically <20) An immediate ultrasound indicated multiple liver anomalies, initially thought to be hemangiomas. --- ## FIRST COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT (August 1, 2025 - 1 Month Old) ### Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) with 3-Phase Contrast (August 1, 2025): **RESULTS:** - 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