Question: Dear Doctor

Since April 2013 I have had a strange noise/sensation when swallowing. It occurs about 1 second after swallowing saliva. The sound is difficult to describe but last for 1 to seconds and sounds like very rapid clicking. I can also feel the a sensation in my throat at the same time like a little tickle. I have recorded this sound previously but I am unsure if I can send you sound files.

It started as I said in April 2013 and seems to have gotten a little worse just recently. It is normally worse first thing in the morning and later evening. It is audible by others.

Around May 2013 I noticed I could feel 2 lymph nodes (submandibular) under my jaw on both sides. These feel to be around 1 cm and are very XXXXXXX (I can move them to the side of my jaw). I also have one each side of my jaw further back but these are smaller. All seemed to become palpable around the same time.

I suffer from health anxiety and many symptoms were put down to this.

I have had many blood tests. Neutrophils are occasionally high at 9 but ESR, CRP, LFTs and thyroid tests are always fine.

I have not had any weight loss.

I typically do not have issues swallowing food normally.

I do not noticeably get this noise when eating or drinking (except when sipping fluids).

I paid for a consultation with an ENT consultant in July 2013. He was not concerned but brought me back for a nasal scope in September which was clear.

All along my doctor and the specialist have never been the at all concerned about my nodes –doctors dismissed my throat as globus which is why I paid for a consultation with an ENT consultant.

Just recently the swallowing feeling and noise has gotten more intense. Please could I ask you what could be causing this?

If a recording of the noise would be of use please let me know.