Throat Issues: Foreign Objects and Thyroid Concerns

Throat issues..?

Hello Dr.
Tsai,
I have two questions I would like to ask you: Two days ago, while eating noodles, I accidentally swallowed a piece of duck bone.
However, I finished the entire bowl of noodles.
Since then, my throat feels like there is something stuck in it (the sensation is located about two finger widths below the Adam's apple).
I can still eat and drink, and that same day, I swallowed a small ball of rice in an attempt to push the bone down to relieve the discomfort.
However, the next morning, I experienced difficulty speaking and pain, which made me hesitant to speak loudly.
My voice also has a raspy quality.
I went to see a doctor, who performed a laryngoscopy and X-rays.
He said there were no signs of a bone.
I was prescribed medication, but my condition hasn't improved much.
1.
Has my throat been injured? Could my vocal cords be damaged? What further examinations should I undergo? How long will it take to recover?
2.
When the doctor pressed on my throat, he mentioned a "goiter" phenomenon.
Is this indicative of a thyroid nodule or hyperthyroidism? What further tests should be done to confirm if there is a real issue? If there is indeed a problem, what should I do?
Thank you for your help!
Sincerely, QOO ~_~

QOO, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/03/16

Dr. Cai Hongyan reply Otolaryngology

Hello! 1.
Sometimes, mucosal injury can cause discomfort in the throat, which may last for about a week.
However, if symptoms such as persistent throat pain and difficulty swallowing continue, it is advisable to undergo an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), which requires general anesthesia.
2.
"Goiter" refers to the enlargement of the thyroid gland.
To determine the underlying cause, further examinations such as ultrasound or fine-needle aspiration cytology may be necessary.
Hyperthyroidism should be evaluated through blood tests, and clinical symptoms may include heat intolerance, increased appetite, and weight loss.
If you have any concerns, please feel free to visit the otolaryngology clinic for further consultation and examination.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2005/03/16

More Info

Hello QOO,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your throat issues. Let's address your questions one by one, and I'll provide some additional context based on medical knowledge.

1. Throat Injury and Vocal Cord Damage: It sounds like you may have experienced some irritation or injury to your throat after swallowing the duck bone. The sensation of something being stuck, along with pain and difficulty speaking, can indicate inflammation or trauma to the throat tissues, including the vocal cords. Since you mentioned that the doctor performed an endoscopy and X-ray without finding any bone fragments, it's possible that the discomfort is due to soft tissue injury rather than a foreign object.
The vocal cords can indeed become inflamed or strained, especially if you've been trying to speak or swallow despite the pain. Recovery time can vary based on the severity of the injury, but generally, mild injuries can heal within a few days to a week with proper care. To aid recovery, it's advisable to rest your voice, stay hydrated, and avoid irritants such as smoke or strong odors. If your symptoms persist or worsen, further evaluation by an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist may be warranted.

2. Thyroid Concerns: The term "big neck" that your doctor mentioned could refer to several conditions, including thyroid enlargement (goiter) or other neck masses. Thyroid issues can manifest as swelling in the neck, and while a goiter can be benign, it may also indicate underlying thyroid dysfunction, such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
To determine if there is a thyroid issue, further tests are typically required. These may include blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels (TSH, T3, and T4) and possibly imaging studies like an ultrasound of the thyroid gland. If there is a significant enlargement or suspicion of a thyroid nodule, a fine needle aspiration biopsy may be recommended to rule out malignancy.

If it turns out that you have a thyroid condition, treatment options vary depending on the specific diagnosis. For example, hyperthyroidism may be treated with medications, radioactive iodine, or surgery, while hypothyroidism is usually managed with hormone replacement therapy.

In summary, while your throat discomfort may be due to soft tissue injury, monitoring your symptoms and seeking further evaluation if they persist is essential. Regarding your thyroid concerns, follow-up testing will help clarify the situation, and appropriate management can be initiated based on the results.

Please take care, and don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further assistance. It's important to address these issues promptly to ensure your health and well-being.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

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