HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Constant Sore Throat Inspite Of Having Normal Chest X Ray?

default
Posted on Sat, 31 May 2014
Question: I recently had an upper respiratory infection. i was hoarse,sore throat, had a a dry cough(non productive and clear sputum),and being a singer in a band i had to cancel 3 weeks of gigs. after treatment from doc, i recovered, However,ive had a lingering sore throat predominantly on the left side down near voice box. after 2 months with this,i went to ent. He put the flexible cam down my nose into my throat. he said it all looks fairly clear,but for a small tissue mass that was most likely due to residual coughing trauma from resp infection. i asked him straight up if this could be cancerous and he said it looks far too"clean" for that. It would look suspicious if bleeding or messy looking. however,he said to pop back in in 2 months to check it again. The pain itself is not always there,feel it more in morning and here and there in the day. i have no difficulty swallowing nor does it feel like"a piece of food stuck in my throat" as most cancers are supposed to feel. i have had acid reflux and post nasal drip and wonder if either could be a suspect in the cause. About me: I am 43, i exercise regularly,in good shape,eat very healthy/organic.i live in an area with a lot of pollen/allergy related issues. Basically very health conscious to a fault. However, I do have a couple of martinis nightly and a couple of puffs of marijuana before bed. i used to smoke but quit 15 years ago. had a chest x ray recently that was clear as well. sometimes i feel a bit rushed by doctors and feel i need real consultation on this. I would like to know what you might attribute this sore throat to. Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
it is likely to be due to acid reflux

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Although you do have the risk factors of developing a throat cancer namely smoking but I still fell that the sensation you are feeling is not likely to be a cancer since your symptoms are not suggestive of it.

Cancer of the throat generally manifests as change in voice or difficulty in breathing or swallowing. And you dont seem to be having any of these complaints.

The swelling which your doctor saw is most likely to be due to acid reflux damaging the Lining of your throat and I would like you to meet him for treatment of the same.

I would also like you to stop marijuana and alcohol completely as these will aggravate your symptoms.

Take care

Please feel free to ask any other doubts that you may be having.

Thanks
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Satvinder Bakshi

ENT Specialist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 2467 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Constant Sore Throat Inspite Of Having Normal Chest X Ray?

Brief Answer: it is likely to be due to acid reflux Detailed Answer: Hello Although you do have the risk factors of developing a throat cancer namely smoking but I still fell that the sensation you are feeling is not likely to be a cancer since your symptoms are not suggestive of it. Cancer of the throat generally manifests as change in voice or difficulty in breathing or swallowing. And you dont seem to be having any of these complaints. The swelling which your doctor saw is most likely to be due to acid reflux damaging the Lining of your throat and I would like you to meet him for treatment of the same. I would also like you to stop marijuana and alcohol completely as these will aggravate your symptoms. Take care Please feel free to ask any other doubts that you may be having. Thanks