Why do I constantly have problems with my throat?
April 28, 2023 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Gerald Reimann
Dear doctor specializing in otolaryngology,
My name is Artur Freudenberger and I am reaching out to you with a concern that has been troubling me for some time. Lately, I have been experiencing recurring issues with my throat and I am wondering what could be causing them.
For the past few weeks, I have had the sensation that my throat is constantly irritated and I have been experiencing difficulty swallowing more frequently. Sometimes, it feels like there is a lump in my throat that just won't go away. Additionally, I often feel the need to clear my throat, even though I am not suffering from a cold or congestion. These symptoms are most prominent in the mornings and evenings, and are less pronounced during the day.
Furthermore, I have been experiencing more frequent sore throats and a slight scratchiness in my throat. Occasionally, my voice sounds hoarse and I feel like I have to exert more effort to make myself understood. All of these discomforts are causing me concern and impacting my quality of life.
I am curious about the possible reasons for these throat issues and if there are any specific causes or triggers. Are there any particular tests that should be conducted to identify the underlying cause of my symptoms? What treatment options are available to help alleviate my symptoms and improve them in the long term?
I am very grateful for your time and expertise, and I look forward to hearing your assessment and any recommendations for addressing my throat problems.
Sincerely,
Artur Freudenberger
Dear Mr. Freudenberger,
Thank you for your trust and the detailed description of your throat problems. I am sorry to hear that you have been struggling with these symptoms for some time and that it has affected your quality of life. Your description suggests an irritation or inflammation in the throat area, which could have various causes.
The symptoms you have described such as difficulty swallowing, feeling of a lump in the throat, clearing the throat, sore throat, hoarseness, and a slight scratching in the throat could indicate various conditions. Possible causes could include:
1. Acid reflux disease: Where acidic stomach content backs up into the esophagus and can cause irritation in the throat.
2. Allergies: An allergic reaction can also lead to throat problems.
3. Inflammation of the upper respiratory tract: Infections such as tonsillitis or laryngitis can cause similar symptoms.
4. Vocal cord strain: Excessive strain on the vocal cords, for example from loud speaking or singing, can lead to hoarseness and other complaints.
To determine the exact cause of your symptoms, it would be advisable to undergo a thorough examination. This could involve a physical examination of your throat, an endoscopy (examination of the throat with a flexible tube with a camera), or further specific tests such as allergy testing or reflux examination.
The treatment of your throat problems depends on the exact diagnosis. Possible treatment options could include:
1. Medication therapy: Depending on the cause of your symptoms, medications such as antacids for reflux, antihistamines for allergies, or antibiotics for bacterial infections may be prescribed.
2. Vocal cord training: For vocal cord strain, speech therapy could be helpful.
3. Avoidance of irritants: It may be helpful to avoid certain foods or drinks that could worsen your symptoms.
4. Home remedies: Sometimes simple measures such as drinking warm beverages, gargling with salt water, or avoiding smoking can help alleviate the symptoms.
It is important that you consult an ear, nose, and throat specialist to receive an accurate diagnosis and individual treatment recommendation. Please do not hesitate to seek professional help to clarify and improve your throat problems in the long term.
I hope this information is helpful to you and wish you all the best on your path to recovery.
Sincerely,
Dr. Gerald Reimann
