Persistent Throat Dryness and Burning Sensation: When to Seek Medical Help?

Persistent throat dryness accompanied by a slight burning sensation and elevated blood pressure?

I previously discussed with a doctor that I accidentally inhaled the toes of a massage therapist (only the toes), which led to pharyngitis.
I was treated with antibiotics and was fully recovered by January 21.
However, my throat condition has been persistent, and I often experience intermittent neuropathic pain (in the trigeminal nerve or jaw) and a burning sensation, along with dry mouth.
I am now in the ninth week since the incident, and while my symptoms have improved, the burning sensation and pain have subsided, I still experience dry mouth, especially when I wake up at night.
Additionally, my blood pressure readings have been higher than before I got sick (originally 83/145, now 100/165).
Should I see a doctor? Which specialty should I consult to address my current concerns?

Xiao Wu, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/03/04

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, waking up with a dry mouth can be related to dry weather or snoring.
Additionally, blood pressure naturally fluctuates, so it is recommended to rest for a moment after waking up before measuring blood pressure.
Measuring it at the same time each day is better for comparison.
Given your current symptoms, it would be beneficial to drink more water and monitor the situation.
If there is no improvement, please visit an ENT or internal medicine department for further evaluation.
Sincerely, Dr.
Jue-Yi Cheng, Director of the ENT Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2015/03/04

More Info

Persistent throat dryness and burning sensation can be quite uncomfortable and concerning, especially when accompanied by other symptoms such as intermittent neuralgia and dry mouth. Given your history of throat inflammation and antibiotic treatment, it is important to consider several factors that could be contributing to your current symptoms.

Firstly, the throat dryness and burning sensation you are experiencing could be a result of several underlying conditions. One possibility is that the initial throat inflammation may have led to residual irritation or inflammation in the throat, which can persist even after the infection has resolved. Additionally, the sensation of dryness and burning could be exacerbated by environmental factors, such as dry air, especially if you are sleeping in a room with low humidity.
The intermittent neuralgia you mentioned, particularly in the trigeminal nerve area, could also be related to the initial incident. Nerve irritation or damage can sometimes lead to persistent pain or abnormal sensations, and it may take time for these symptoms to resolve completely.
Your mention of dry mouth (xerostomia) is particularly noteworthy. This condition can be caused by various factors, including dehydration, certain medications, or even anxiety. It is essential to maintain adequate hydration and consider using saliva substitutes or mouth rinses designed for dry mouth relief.
Regarding your elevated blood pressure readings, it is important to monitor this closely. Stress, pain, and discomfort can all contribute to temporary increases in blood pressure. However, consistently high readings warrant further investigation, as they could indicate an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed.

Given the persistence of your symptoms and the changes in your blood pressure, it is advisable to seek medical attention. You should consider visiting a primary care physician or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. An ENT specialist can evaluate your throat and assess for any lingering inflammation or other issues that may be contributing to your symptoms. They may also conduct tests to rule out any other potential causes of your throat discomfort.

In addition, if your dry mouth persists, you might want to consult a dentist or a specialist in oral medicine, as they can provide insights into managing xerostomia and its effects on your oral health.

In summary, while some of your symptoms may improve over time, it is crucial to seek medical advice to ensure that there are no underlying issues that require treatment. Monitoring your blood pressure and addressing your throat dryness and burning sensation with the appropriate specialists will help you find relief and improve your overall health. Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health, especially when symptoms persist for an extended period.

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