Why Does My Cough Get Worse At Night or When Lying Down?
A cough that gets worse at night or when lying down is often caused by mucus draining down the back of the throat, acid reflux, asthma or irritation in the airways. When you lie flat, mucus and stomach acid can move more easily towards the throat, while changes in your breathing patterns during sleep can […]
What is Involved in a Tonsillectomy?
A tonsillectomy is an operation to remove the tonsils, which are two small areas of tissue at the back of the throat. The procedure is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic, so you will be asleep during the operation. A tonsillectomy may be recommended if you have repeated episodes of tonsillitis, enlarged tonsils causing […]
What is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing food, drinks or saliva. It can affect people in different ways, from finding certain foods difficult to swallow to being unable to swallow safely at all. Dysphagia is usually a symptom of another condition rather than a condition itself. It can increase the risk of choking, dehydration, […]
How Do Doctors Test for Swallowing Problems?
Doctors test for swallowing problems, also called dysphagia, by first asking about your symptoms and examining how you eat, drink and swallow. Depending on what they find, you may be referred to a speech and language therapist or a throat specialist. Tests can include a clinical swallowing assessment, a videofluoroscopy, an endoscopy or other investigations […]
What Should I Do if I Keep Getting Tonsillitis?
If you keep getting tonsillitis, the most important thing is to focus on symptom relief at home, reduce how often it comes back, and speak to a GP or throat specialist if it keeps recurring. Repeated tonsillitis can be caused by viral infections, bacterial infections, or sometimes irritated tonsils that become inflamed easily. In many […]
Why Does My Throat Hurt When I Swallow?
If your throat hurts when you swallow, it is usually because the tissues in your throat are irritated or inflamed. The most common cause is a viral infection, such as a cold or flu, although tonsillitis, strep throat, allergies, acid reflux and smoking can also cause discomfort. Most sore throats improve on their own within […]
What Should I Do If I Can’t Stop Clearing My Throat?
Frequent throat clearing is often linked to postnasal drip, acid reflux, allergies or irritation of the throat rather than a serious condition. Drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding irritants, and trying over-the-counter treatments may help. However, if the problem lasts for several weeks or keeps returning, you should speak to a GP. In some cases, an […]
What Are Remedies If You Can’t Stop Coughing?
If you can’t stop coughing, simple measures like drinking warm fluids, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter medication can often provide relief. However, if your cough lasts for more than three weeks, keeps coming back, or is accompanied by symptoms such as coughing up blood, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, you should speak to a healthcare […]
What Should I Do If I am Having Difficulty Swallowing?
If you are having difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia, the most important step is to take it seriously and seek medical advice. While mild swallowing problems can sometimes be caused by a sore throat, acid reflux or temporary infection, ongoing or worsening difficulty swallowing should always be assessed by a GP. In some cases, […]
What Are Tonsil Stones?
Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths, are small lumps of hardened material that form in the crevices of the tonsils. They are made up of trapped food particles, dead cells and bacteria that gradually calcify over time. They are usually harmless, but they can cause symptoms such as bad breath, throat irritation or a feeling […]