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What Causes Pain Above Laryngeal Prominence?

Posted on Fri, 12 Dec 2014

Question: I am having pain above my adam's apple when I am looking down and swallow. No pain when not looking down and swallow. I had a long dentist appt about a week ago and that night is when I first noticed it. Should I be concerned. At first I thought it may have been sitting at the dentist with my head back for over an hour but now getting concerned it may be something else. Something with my thyroid, etc. I am a 54 YO female.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I doubt thyroid related problem...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

Pain above the Adam's apple could be due to the following problems:
1. Local inflammation because of the neck posture.
2. Acute infection of the pharyngeal wall
3. Acid reflux disease

A thorough examination of the the throat and the neck can identify the actual cause.

I doubt thyroid related issues as the thyroid gland will be well below the Adam's apple.

Hope I have answered your query; I'll be available for the follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (24 minutes later)

So do you think the position my head was in for over an hour at the dentist could have inflamed tissue in my upper neck? Also, the tooth that he was working on was a bottom back molar and I had several shots. There is no pain when I palpate the neck area anywhere and no swollen nodes. I am just wondering if that area is strained or inflamed from the position/shots and when I tilt my head forward and swallow the XXXXXXX apple gets pushed up into that area. How long should I wait before I call my Dr. to be examined? It will be a week tomorrow since my dentist appt. Thank you for your help. BTW, I do have acid reflux and take PPIs. I just feel like it is connected to the dentist appt because that night is when I first noticed it. I would definitely have noticed it before because it is a pain I would not have missed.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Try taking antiinflammatory medicine...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

If the pain has been noticed after the dental work was done, it means there was stretching of the neck muscles leading to inflammation.

You can try taking antiinflammatory medicines such as diclofenac or ibuprofen available OTC and watch for the pain to get relieved. If you do not notice any improvement within 2-3 days, please consult your doctor.

Hope this clarifies your doubts. Wish you good luck and speedy recovery.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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. Vinay Bhardwaj