Chronic Throat Inflammation and Breathing Difficulties: Seeking Solutions

Throat inflammation and difficulty breathing?

Dear Dr.
Zhou,
I would like to consult on behalf of my father.
He is 56 years old and has a significant smoking addiction.
Since October of last year, he has been experiencing a dry and painful throat, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
His breathing has been inconsistent, but his throat condition has worsened without any improvement.
He has been looking at his throat in the mirror and claims it is inflamed.
He experiences a dry throat 24 hours a day, and it is particularly uncomfortable at night, requiring him to constantly get up to drink water to soothe his throat, which has led to sleep deprivation and weight loss.
He has seen specialists in otolaryngology, pulmonary medicine, gastroenterology, and cardiology.
However, each physician has told him that there is nothing wrong and prescribed medication to take home, but his symptoms have persisted without improvement.
Could you please advise which specialty my father should consult? What tests would be appropriate for him? Does he need to undergo an MRI? Each doctor has said there is no issue, but the problems are indeed present.
We would greatly appreciate your guidance on this matter.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Wang Yizhen

Miss Wang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/03/10

Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology

Hello,
1.
If you are experiencing a dry throat and discomfort while sleeping, it may be due to mouth breathing or the presence of sleep-related breathing disorders.
It is advisable to consult with another pulmonologist, particularly one who specializes in sleep apnea at a medical center.

2.
If everything else appears normal, you might consider an evaluation by a rheumatologist or investigate the possibility of chronic lung disease due to long-term smoking.

Thank you,
Dr.
Chou Tzu-Kuang, Attending Physician, Pulmonary Medicine.

Reply Date: 2010/03/10

More Info

Dear Wang Yizhen,
Thank you for reaching out regarding your father's ongoing health issues. I understand how concerning it can be when multiple specialists have evaluated a patient, yet the symptoms persist without a clear diagnosis or effective treatment. Your father's symptoms of chronic throat inflammation, breathing difficulties, and persistent dryness in the throat are indeed troubling and deserve a thorough investigation.

Given your father's history of heavy smoking, it is crucial to consider the potential impact of tobacco on his respiratory health. Smoking can lead to chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and even lung cancer, all of which can manifest as chronic cough, throat irritation, and breathing difficulties. It is essential that your father considers quitting smoking, as this could significantly improve his symptoms and overall health.

Since he has already seen specialists in otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat), pulmonology (chest), gastroenterology, and cardiology without a definitive diagnosis, I would recommend a few steps moving forward:
1. Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs): If not already done, these tests can help assess how well your father's lungs are working. They measure lung volume, capacity, rates of flow, and gas exchange. This can help identify conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma.

2. Imaging Studies: While an MRI is not typically the first choice for evaluating respiratory issues, a chest X-ray or CT scan may provide more detailed information about the lungs and surrounding structures. These imaging studies can help identify any abnormalities such as nodules, masses, or signs of chronic lung disease.

3. Laryngoscopy: A direct examination of the throat and larynx using a flexible tube with a camera (laryngoscope) can help visualize any inflammation, lesions, or other abnormalities that may not be apparent during a standard examination.

4. Allergy Testing: Given the symptoms of throat dryness and irritation, it may be worthwhile to explore potential allergies. Allergies can contribute to chronic throat inflammation and respiratory issues. An allergist can perform tests to identify specific allergens that may be triggering your father's symptoms.

5. Referral to a Specialist: If your father has not yet seen a pulmonologist who specializes in chronic cough or a laryngologist (a specialist in voice and throat disorders), I would recommend seeking an appointment with one of these specialists. They may have additional insights or treatment options that have not yet been explored.

6. Lifestyle Modifications: Encourage your father to stay hydrated, use a humidifier at home, and avoid irritants such as smoke and strong odors. These changes can help alleviate throat dryness and irritation.

7. Consider Psychological Factors: Chronic illness can lead to anxiety and stress, which may exacerbate physical symptoms. If your father is experiencing significant distress, a consultation with a mental health professional may be beneficial.

In summary, while it is reassuring that multiple specialists have found no immediate life-threatening conditions, the persistence of your father's symptoms warrants further investigation. A combination of pulmonary function tests, imaging studies, and possibly a referral to a specialist focused on chronic cough or throat disorders may provide the answers you seek. Additionally, addressing lifestyle factors and considering psychological support may also contribute to his overall well-being.

I hope this information helps guide you and your father towards finding a resolution to his health concerns. Please do not hesitate to reach out for further assistance or clarification.

Best wishes for your father's health,
Doctor Q&A Teams

Similar Q&A

Chronic Sore Throat and Allergies: Seeking Relief and Solutions

Hello Dr. Cheng, I am 19 years old and have been experiencing throat pain for about 5 to 6 years. Sometimes it feels very painful, while other times it improves slightly, but speaking causes significant pain, especially in the morning when it is particularly severe! Drinking warm...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, the issue of a sore throat may be related to chronic pharyngitis, which could be associated with gastroesophageal reflux, post-nasal drip, air pollution, and anxiety. If examinations show no significant abnormalities, it is advisable to first adjust your lifestyle by reduc...

Grateful for Your Support in Managing Chronic Throat Inflammation

Dr. Chen, thank you once again for your detailed responses to my questions and your enthusiasm. For now, I will diligently continue to take the prescription you provided, hoping to cure this stubborn chronic pharyngitis soon. Thank you!

Dr. Chen Jianzhi reply Otolaryngology
Dear Inquirer, Hello, currently research on chronic pharyngitis is in full swing. It is crucial to gather experiences from patients and discuss them with colleagues both domestically and internationally. I will do my best to acquire new knowledge and assist you, aiming to allevi...

Breathlessness While Speaking: Understanding Your Symptoms and Solutions

Hello Dr. Yang, I had a cold and throat inflammation at the end of last month. After seeking medical attention, my throat has improved. However, recently, while talking with colleagues, I have been experiencing difficulty breathing, which leads to coughing. This has been ongoin...

Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Xiaohong: Some individuals with allergic rhinitis or asthma may experience exacerbation of their symptoms when exposed to allergens or upper respiratory infections (such as a cold), leading to difficulty breathing or wheezing at night (similar to a cat's meow). The qui...

Understanding Breathing Difficulties: Chronic Rhinitis and Throat Inflammation

Dear Dr. Tsai: I have been experiencing symptoms of a cold, including cough and sneezing, since early May. I took medication but did not fully recover. By the end of May, I noticed that both sides of my nose were completely congested, making it difficult to breathe and forcing me...

Dr. Cai Zhenggu reply Otolaryngology
Hello Mr. Hsieh: Based on your description, your issue is chronic pharyngitis caused by mouth breathing due to nasal congestion. I recommend that you come to my clinic for an examination, as there are many potential causes of nasal congestion. A thorough evaluation is necessary t...