Most sore throats are viral and get better in a few days with rest, warm fluids and simple painkillers. The ones worth getting checked are the throat problems that keep coming back, or that just don't go away: tonsil infections every few months, a voice that has stayed hoarse for weeks, food sticking while swallowing, or snoring loud enough to wake the family.
Dr. Sahil Kapoor is a throat specialist in Gurgaon who sees patients with throat and voice problems at Ace ENT Care, 238, Sector 5, Gurugram. Laryngology is the part of ENT that covers the throat, the voice box (larynx) and swallowing.
Common throat and voice conditions
- Tonsillitis: infection of the tonsils, with throat pain, fever and difficulty swallowing. Some people get it several times a year.
- Peritonsillar abscess (quinsy): a collection of pus next to the tonsil. It causes severe one-sided pain, difficulty opening the mouth and a muffled voice, and needs urgent treatment.
- Hoarseness and voice disorders: vocal cord nodules, polyps, cysts, inflammation (laryngitis) or weakness of a vocal cord. Teachers, singers, call-centre staff and anyone who talks a lot are more prone.
- Acid reflux affecting the throat (LPR): throat clearing, a lump-in-the-throat feeling and morning hoarseness, often without heartburn.
- Swallowing difficulty (dysphagia): food sticking, pain while swallowing or coughing while eating.
- Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea: see snoring and sleep apnea treatment.
Warning signs you should not ignore
- Hoarseness lasting more than two to three weeks, especially in smokers or tobacco users
- Difficulty or pain while swallowing that keeps getting worse
- Blood in saliva or cough
- A lump in the neck
- Noisy breathing or breathlessness
- Unexplained weight loss along with throat symptoms
These symptoms are not always serious, but they need an examination to rule out a growth in the throat or voice box.
How throat and voice problems are examined
The throat is examined in the clinic, followed by a look at the voice box. A laryngoscopy (with a rigid scope through the mouth or a thin flexible scope through the nose) shows the vocal cords moving while you speak. It is done after a numbing spray and takes a few minutes. Depending on the findings, you may need a neck ultrasound, a swallowing assessment, a sleep study or a biopsy.
Tonsil treatment
Most tonsil infections are treated with medicines. Antibiotics are used when a bacterial infection is likely, and the full course should be completed. Tonsillectomy in Gurgaon is advised when:
- Throat infections are frequent (commonly seven or more in a year, or five a year for two years)
- There has been a peritonsillar abscess, especially more than once
- Enlarged tonsils cause snoring, breathing pauses in sleep or difficulty swallowing
- One tonsil is much larger than the other and needs to be examined
Voice disorder treatment
Treatment depends on the cause:
- Voice rest and voice therapy: the first line for nodules and voice strain. A speech therapist teaches how to use the voice without straining it.
- Reflux treatment: diet changes, not eating late at night, and medicines when needed.
- Microlaryngeal surgery: for polyps, cysts or nodules that don't respond, and for taking a biopsy. It is done through the mouth under general anaesthesia, with no outside cut.
Simple habits help: drink enough water, don't shout or whisper for long periods, avoid frequent throat clearing, and stop smoking.
Snoring and sleep apnea
Snoring with pauses in breathing, choking at night and daytime sleepiness may point to obstructive sleep apnea. Snoring treatment starts with finding where the airway is blocked. It may involve weight loss, sleeping on the side, treating a blocked nose, CPAP, or surgery for selected patients. Read the full guide on snoring and sleep apnea treatment in Gurgaon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can hoarseness last before I see a doctor?
If your voice has been hoarse for more than two to three weeks without a clear cause such as a cold, please get your vocal cords examined.
Do tonsils need to be removed in adults?
Only in specific situations, such as frequent infections, a previous abscess or tonsils that block breathing. Many adults are managed without surgery.
Is laryngoscopy painful?
No. It is done after a numbing spray. You may feel slight discomfort or gagging for a few seconds.
What is the cost of tonsillectomy or voice surgery?
The cost depends on the procedure, the hospital and the anaesthesia required. You will get an estimate after the consultation.
Are these surgeries covered under insurance or Ayushman card?
Tonsillectomy and microlaryngeal surgery are commonly covered by health insurance when medically needed, and many are included in PMJAY packages. Check our Ayushman card page.
Book a consultation
Call +91-8178774813 or use the appointment page. Clinic hours: Monday to Saturday, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM and 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM; Sunday, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Clinic Location
238, Sector 5, Gurugram, Haryana 122001
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
