Burning throat and esophagus

[eddiecsl324]

I'm a 32 years old non-smoking male. On 23rd of January, I started to experience stomach upset and heaty body (37.5 deg C). Thinking that i might have too much of deep fried food, I ignored it and started to drink lots of water. The condition didn't get better on the next day which I started to feel burning sensation in my throat, mouth, esophagus as well as my eyes. My body temperature remained 37.5 deg C. I didn't go to see the doctor but instead drinking lots of water and rest. The burning sensation remained for the next few days. Knowing that the condition might get worse, I went to see the doctor on 27th of January (5 days later). The general physician told me that I have infection of the throat and tonsil. She prescribed me antibiotic (cephalexin), lozenges, cough syrup, and panadol. It didn't get better. Finally i couldn't stand the burning sensation (heartburn) so i decided to take antacid (zellox-II) and immediately i feel relieved. The heartburn sensation disappearred overnight. The next day, I visited another doctor and explained to him my condition hoping that he would understand and write me a referral letter to the Gastroenterologist. He refused. He prescribed me more drugs: Zantac Ranitidine (150mg), antacid zellox-II, Zecuf, antibiotic (cephalexin), paracetamol, and cough syrup. This is when problem occurred. I started to experience soft light yellow stool (very little as i didn't eat much), diarrhea (>3 times, little too) , indigestion, nausea, and bloat. I started to get worried and didn't take the medicine for the time being. Please advise me what to do now. Thanks in advance.

[eddiecsl324]

Dear Linda,

Thank you very much for your reply. The doctor didn't take any specimen at all from my throat. I don't think he would have thought of culturing it at all. Anyway, I have stopped taking Zantac and Antacids for almost two days now right after i sufferred yellow stool and diarrhea. I noticed that my stool has returned to normal coloration. However, I'm still having diarrhea today (third day) especially in the morning. I'm still taking the antibiotic by the way. Hopefully the diarrhea will subside soon.

[Linda8888]

Antibiotics can cause diarrhea or loose stools.  The doctor thought you had a bacterial infection and prescribed cephalexin for you.  If you do have an infection of the throat and tonsil, you must continue the whole dose (7-10days) of the antibiotic.  He should have done a throat culture to make sure it was not viral, and to make sure you were given the correct antibiotic if it is bacterial.  Never take antibiotics if it is viral.  As for you burning, this could be caused by stomach acid going up your esophagus causing burning to your throat and irritating it.  The fact that it felt better after taking Zantac 150 mg, indicates that you might be experiencing GERD.  Take the Zantac for two weeks, eliminate fried foods and spicy foods from your diet.  See if this does not help your heartburn.  If your throat gets worse, get a culture!  Your doctor is trying to treat you for two things:  GERD and a bacterial infection.  He will refer you to a GI doctor only if your GI symptoms continue or worsen, even with the Zantac.  Also, antacids have a way of decreasing the efficacy of some medications.  You should do better with just the Zantac.  Good luck.