Ask a doctor on the topic of Internal medicine

Constantly dry throat and scratchiness

June 20, 2016 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good day,

I have been experiencing extreme itching in the throat area for a few days. I cannot really tell if it is coming from the throat or esophagus.

The pain is sometimes present, mostly in the evenings, and throughout the day it can be very dry at times. The feeling persists even after drinking something. There was a moment during the day when it scratched when swallowing. Last night, I kept clearing my throat the whole time. Even in bed, I could hardly fall asleep. About a year ago, I had a gastroscopy done, which revealed reflux. I took pantoprazole for 6 weeks and made some changes to my diet.

I am somehow afraid that it could be esophageal cancer or something similar. In the mornings, I also have extreme (sometimes green/sometimes brown) phlegm.

I hope someone can tell me something about it.

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good morning,

There are two probable reasons: on the one hand a cold, then a runny nose or cough would have to be added. Or, which is even more likely, reflux. Pantoprazole doesn't cure that, it just blocks acid so that the reflux no longer attacks the esophagus. If you stop taking it, it will happen again.
Esophageal cancer is only diagnosed from the age of 40. I would now take Pantoprazole again. If I am right, your symptoms will disappear after one to two weeks. After that, you will likely need acid blockers from time to time.

Warm regards, Dr. Höllering