Throat Issues: When to Seek Medical Attention

Throat issues

Hello Doctor: I am a 19-year-old college student.
I wanted to ask online first to avoid occupying physical medical resources due to a moment of fear.
Here’s my situation: about 2-3 weeks ago, I started feeling some difficulty when eating and swallowing saliva, but I'm not sure what exactly constitutes swallowing difficulty.
Currently, I can still eat by chewing slowly, but when the food is too large, it feels like it passes through my throat a bit slowly.
The same goes for drinking water; I feel like there’s something in my throat when swallowing.
I'm unsure if it could be a tumor.
At the end of the swallowing process, I don’t feel chest tightness, but sometimes I feel a bit uncomfortable in my right chest.
I’ve seen some cases of esophageal cancer where patients experience right chest pain, so I’m not sure if my discomfort in the right chest is genuine or just psychological.

I’ve palpated my throat, and at first touch, there are no hard lumps, but I wonder if a tumor might not be large enough to feel.
My lymph nodes are not swollen or feel abnormal, and there’s no pain in my throat.
Occasionally, I feel a stinging sensation in certain areas, which is not fixed and lasts about 2-3 seconds, but I don’t often feel pain.
Recently, I’ve had some phlegm in my throat, and when I cough it up, there’s no blood in it.
This is the current state of my throat.
My congenital condition includes nasal issues, frequent nosebleeds, and allergies, and I’ve also experienced post-nasal drip recently.
I’ve been smoking for about a year and four months, and there are cases of cancer in my family.

I would like to ask the doctor what might be causing these sensations in my throat and whether I should undergo a laryngoscopy.

Niming Li, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/15

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, the most common condition is still chronic pharyngitis.
If symptoms do not improve, it is recommended to visit an ENT clinic or hospital for further examination.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the ENT Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2016/02/15

More Info

When it comes to throat issues, particularly those involving difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), it is essential to approach the situation with caution and awareness of the potential underlying causes. Your symptoms, which include a sensation of something stuck in your throat, difficulty swallowing larger pieces of food, and occasional discomfort in the right chest area, warrant a thorough evaluation.

Firstly, it is important to recognize that dysphagia can arise from various conditions, ranging from benign to more serious issues. Common causes include:
1. Esophageal Disorders: Conditions such as esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), esophageal strictures (narrowing of the esophagus), or even gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can lead to swallowing difficulties. These conditions may cause inflammation or scarring that affects the normal passage of food.

2. Neurological Disorders: Certain neurological conditions can impact the muscles involved in swallowing. For example, conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can lead to dysphagia.

3. Structural Abnormalities: Tumors or growths in the throat or esophagus can obstruct the passage of food, leading to swallowing difficulties. While you mentioned not feeling any hard lumps upon examination, it is still possible for small tumors to exist that may not be palpable.

4. Allergic Reactions or Infections: Allergies, particularly those affecting the nasal passages and throat, can lead to post-nasal drip, which may cause irritation and a sensation of something being stuck in the throat. Infections, such as pharyngitis or tonsillitis, can also contribute to these symptoms.

Given your history of nasal issues, allergies, and smoking, these factors could also play a role in your throat discomfort. Smoking, in particular, is a significant risk factor for various throat and esophageal conditions, including cancer.

Regarding your concern about the possibility of a tumor, it is crucial to remember that while your symptoms may be alarming, many cases of dysphagia are due to non-cancerous conditions. However, given your family history of cancer and your smoking history, it is prudent to err on the side of caution.

When to Seek Medical Attention: You should consider seeking medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent difficulty swallowing that worsens over time.

- Unexplained weight loss.

- Pain during swallowing.

- Blood in your saliva or phlegm.

- Persistent throat pain or discomfort that does not resolve.

- A lump in your throat that does not go away.

In your case, since you have been experiencing symptoms for 2-3 weeks without improvement, it would be advisable to consult an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist. They may recommend a laryngoscopy or esophagoscopy to visually examine your throat and esophagus. These procedures can help identify any structural abnormalities, inflammation, or tumors that may be contributing to your symptoms.

Additionally, a thorough evaluation may include imaging studies, such as a barium swallow study, which can provide further insight into how food moves through your esophagus.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may not necessarily indicate a severe condition, the combination of your symptoms, family history, and smoking status suggests that a medical evaluation is warranted. Early diagnosis and intervention can lead to better outcomes, so it is always better to be proactive about your health.

Similar Q&A

Difficulty Swallowing: When to Seek Medical Attention for Throat Issues

In the past week, I have felt like there is phlegm stuck in my throat. However, I do not have a cough, runny nose, fever, or sore throat. It is just very difficult to swallow saliva, and I have tried to cough up the phlegm, but it hasn't worked. I have been feeling discomfor...

Dr. Chen Junliang reply Otolaryngology
Ms. Toro: Based on the symptoms you described, it could be pharyngitis, which may be related to issues with the gastrointestinal tract, the throat itself, or the nasal passages. If it has not improved after ten days, further examination and treatment are necessary.

Understanding Throat Issues: When to See an ENT Specialist

Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing some discomfort in my throat. Sometimes it feels slightly tight, almost like a muscle strain, and I also feel pain when speaking. Eating doesn't seem to cause any issues. I've visited two ENT clinics, averaging four v...

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, the situation you described may be indicative of chronic pharyngitis. It is recommended to undergo laryngoscopy to rule out any masses, as well as to consider pharmacological treatment. In addition to medication, please pay attention to the following lifestyle recommendati...

Understanding Uvula Issues: When to Seek Medical Attention for Throat Pain

Hello, I have had a sore throat for about four days without any other cold symptoms. This afternoon, I started coughing, and tonight I noticed that two-thirds of my uvula has turned bright red, but there is no bleeding. I also feel a foreign body sensation in my throat, and the t...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, throat inflammation and redness are common. It is advisable to drink plenty of water and monitor the situation. If discomfort persists, or if there are symptoms such as fever or difficulty swallowing, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation and treatment.

Severe Sore Throat: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention

Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing a sore throat for a week now. The pain feels as if there is a hole inside, and when I speak, it feels like the muscles in my throat are being torn apart, causing excruciating pain. Swallowing food is even more difficult! I also frequently fe...

Dr. Cai Hongyan reply Otolaryngology
It is highly likely that a viral or bacterial infection is causing severe throat pain. It is advisable to consult a professional otolaryngologist for localized treatment, which can quickly alleviate some symptoms. It is also important to stay hydrated; otherwise, there is a risk ...