One-Sided Throat Pain and Headaches: When to Seek Help

Q: One-Sided Throat Pain and Headaches: When to Seek Help

Hello Danny： You reported that one month after your cold, you still experience left-sided headache, sharp pain in the left throat, tinnitus, chest pain, right lower abdominal pain, some bone pain in various areas, and throat discomfort. <br>These symptoms may suggest gastroesopha

Unilateral sore throat, unilateral headache, discomfort in the neck, and occasional bone pain?

Hello Doctor: I apologize for the many questions.
Since a severe cold I had once, the cold symptoms have almost disappeared, but now, after a month, I still have pain in the left side of my throat (including left-sided headache).
Sometimes, I feel a foreign body sensation (sharp) when swallowing.
When I turn my body to the left upon waking up, I feel a sensation of my throat being locked (choking) until I just woke up and tried to swallow saliva; for the first time, I found it difficult to swallow (extreme choking sensation).
Normally, I do not experience throat pain while eating or drinking (only when swallowing saliva).

Main symptoms: left-sided headache, left-sided throat pain (sharp).

Occasional symptoms: tinnitus, chest pain, right lower abdominal pain, bone pain in some areas, throat discomfort.

Could this be typical gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or is there a possibility of esophageal cancer? Which specialty should I visit for a consultation? Thank you, Doctor.

Danny, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/02/26

Dr. Zhang Kebin reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello Danny: You reported that one month after your cold, you still experience left-sided headache, sharp pain in the left throat, tinnitus, chest pain, right lower abdominal pain, some bone pain in various areas, and throat discomfort.
These symptoms may suggest gastroesophageal reflux disease; however, since your symptoms involve the head, neck, chest, and abdomen, it is recommended that you first visit a gastroenterology and hepatology department for further evaluation and follow-up with other specialties.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2021/02/26

More Info

When experiencing persistent one-sided throat pain accompanied by headaches, it is essential to consider a variety of potential causes, as well as the appropriate steps to take for diagnosis and treatment. Your symptoms, particularly the left-sided throat pain and headache, along with the sensation of something stuck in your throat when swallowing, warrant further investigation.

Firstly, your symptoms could be indicative of several conditions. Given your history of a severe cold, it is possible that you are experiencing post-viral syndrome, where symptoms linger even after the initial infection has resolved. This can sometimes manifest as throat pain and headaches. Additionally, conditions such as allergies, sinusitis, or even tension-type headaches could contribute to your symptoms.
The sensation of a "lump" in the throat, known as globus sensation, can occur due to muscle tension or irritation in the throat, which may be exacerbated by anxiety or stress. This could explain why you feel a choking sensation when turning your body in certain ways or when swallowing saliva.
However, it is crucial to rule out more serious conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can cause throat irritation and pain due to stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. Symptoms of GERD can include throat discomfort, a burning sensation, and difficulty swallowing. On the other hand, while esophageal cancer is a less common cause, it is important to consider if symptoms persist, especially if there are changes in swallowing or if you experience significant weight loss.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention. You should consider visiting an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist first, as they can perform a thorough examination of your throat and may recommend an endoscopy if necessary. This procedure allows for a direct view of the throat and esophagus, helping to identify any abnormalities.

If the ENT specialist rules out any structural issues or infections, you may then want to consult a gastroenterologist to evaluate for GERD or other gastrointestinal issues. They may suggest lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, or medications to manage your symptoms effectively.

In the meantime, there are some self-care strategies you can implement to alleviate your symptoms. Staying hydrated, avoiding irritants such as smoke or strong odors, and using throat lozenges may provide temporary relief. Additionally, practicing relaxation techniques can help reduce muscle tension in the throat area.

In summary, while your symptoms could be related to a variety of conditions, it is essential to seek medical advice to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Start with an ENT specialist, and based on their findings, you may be referred to a gastroenterologist or another specialist as needed. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and relief from your discomfort.

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