Treatment Options For Cobblestone Throat

Cobblestone throat is a condition characterized by throat irritation and swelling of the tonsils and adenoids. The most common cause of cobblestone throat is postnasal drip, an ailment that occurs when an excessive amount of mucus drips down the back of the throat. This can develop due to seasonal allergies, the common cold, influenza, and laryngopharyngeal reflux. It may also be triggered by exposure to cold and dry air during the winter months. To diagnose cobblestone throat, doctors will visually inspect the patient's mouth and throat, looking for any signs of infection, swelling or irritation of the throat, tonsils, and adenoids. In general, cobblestone throat resolves quickly and is rarely dangerous.

The treatments and lifestyle modifications listed below are often recommended for patients with cobblestone throat.

Decongestants Or Antihistamines

Patients who have cobblestone throat may be advised to take decongestants or antihistamines. These medications are available over-the-counter, and doctors can also prescribe stronger versions when necessary. Decongestants work by reducing the mucus in the lining of the nose, alleviating postnasal drip, swelling, and congestion. Decongestants may be taken orally, and some are also available as nasal sprays or liquids. Potential side effects of decongestants include anxiety, elevated blood pressure, elevated heart rate, and insomnia. Patients who have cardiovascular disease or hypertension should not use these medications. Antihistamines ease congestion and nasal stuffiness by reducing the levels of histamine in the body. Patients who have epilepsy, hypertension, diabetes, glaucoma, or cardiovascular disease should talk to a doctor before taking an antihistamine. Potential side effects of antihistamines include drowsiness, upset stomach, nervousness, irritability, dizziness, and weight gain.

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Losing Excess Weight

Losing excess weight may reduce postnasal drip and other symptoms of cobblestone throat in some patients. To lose weight, doctors recommend eating a healthy diet based around fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fast food, fried foods, and foods high in saturated fat should all be limited. In addition, patients aiming to lose weight should try to exercise a minimum of 150 minutes per week. Brisk walking, swimming, gardening, dancing, and household chores can all count as part of a patient's weekly exercise. Patients struggling to lose weight may wish to have a series of consultations with a nutritionist or dietitian who can help with healthy meal planning. Practicing healthy stress management techniques such as yoga and meditation may help individuals lose weight more easily, and patients should aim to get at least seven hours of sleep each night. Lack of sufficient sleep can interfere with the hormones that regulate appetite, causing patients to feel hungry and crave sugary, high-fat foods. For patients who have serious difficulty losing weight, prescription medications to suppress appetite and block the absorption of dietary fat may be appropriate. Patients may also wish to consider keeping a food diary through an online app or joining a weight loss support group.

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Avoid Acidic Foods

Patients with cobblestone throat may be advised to avoid acidic foods that can increase throat irritation and stomach acid production. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, alcoholic beverages, and peppermint may all contribute to throat irritation. In addition, patients may wish to limit their intake of dairy products, fried foods, and foods high in fat during the time they are ill with cobblestone throat. Keeping a food diary and checking food labels closely will help patients cut down their intake of these irritating foods. In particular, patients should closely read the labels on any boxed foods and ask about potential irritants when dining out at restaurants. Since it can be hard to stick to an elimination diet independently, patients may wish to consult a nutritionist who specializes in digestive disorders. They can provide meal plans that eliminate triggering foods and reduce the pain and other symptoms of cobblestone throat. Antacids and proton pump inhibitors can help with reducing stomach acid, and these are especially useful for patients who continue to experience symptoms even while following a low-acid diet.

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Steroid Nasal Sprays

Steroid nasal sprays are one of the first recommended treatments for seasonal allergies, and they can also help reduce congestion, inflammation, postnasal drip, and other unpleasant symptoms associated with cobblestone throat. In general, patients should avoid using these sprays for longer than three days unless they have checked with a doctor. To use a nasal spray properly, patients should keep their head upright while spraying the solution in each nostril, as turning or tilting their head back can cause problems. After using the spray, patients should try to avoid sneezing or blowing the nose for a few minutes. Patients should be on alert for potential side effects, including nosebleeds, headaches, nasal dryness, and a burning sensation. In rare cases, a nasal infection may occur. While using steroid sprays, patients should have their nasal passages examined regularly by a healthcare professional. To reduce the risk of a burning sensation after spraying this medication, doctors typically advise patients to use the spray after taking a shower or bath. Alternatively, patients may wish to use the spray after placing their face over a bowl of hot water for five minutes. This technique opens the nasal passages and can prevent irritation.

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Change In Medication

Some medications may cause throat irritation and other symptoms of cobblestone throat. To determine whether or not a medication may be causing throat symptoms, doctors will conduct a health history and physical examination. This will include taking an inventory of all the medications the patient is currently taking, and doctors may also ask about any medications the patient has recently discontinued. Patients should mention any over-the-counter medicines and herbal remedies they are taking as well. The doctor will also examine the patient's mouth and throat to assess the severity of any symptoms. If the clinician feels a medicine may be triggering the patient's symptoms, a change in medication may be recommended. Normally, patients can be prescribed another drug in the same class of medications, though they may also wish to explore alternative medicine possibilities.