i am a healthy 28 yr old male who works out 5 days a week. 3 yrs ago i
started having problems with my tonsils.. they had crypts and were infected,
the doctor advised that they be removed.
The symptoms i had were tightness in the throat and neck area, constant
cracking in my left ear everytime i spoke loud and when i heard loud noises
my ear cracked.
i also had a wheeze or a congestion i felt in my back..
after consulting with one doctor he found no swollen glands or nodes in my
neck.. he felt my neck and gave me a blood test and all was normal.
the second doctor did the same and felt nothing wrong with my neck that would
give me tightness or stiffness. he did take out my tonsills and said i would
feel much better
well its been a yr and the tighness in my neck is still there and my ears
still crack.. i was diagnosed with allergies that came up in a rast test. its
food and trees... the doctor gives me a weekly shot and claritin... although
my wheezing is gone all the other symptoms remain the same... he has felt my
neck numerous times and he has said that all is normal and it is due to
allergies....
i am always getting phlem in my throat especially when i wake up i must spit,
and im thinking maybe that causes tighness in my neck...
but i also suffer from anxiety, and stress i always feel like i have a lump
in my throat and tightness, but nothing is there....
i have done everything but i still have fear that something is wrong.. can
you pls advise me. the doctor says im fine and its allergies.. the bloodwork
comes up fine and so does when he feels my neck.. whats causing my ears, neck
discomfort????
pls pls help..... this is effecting and depressing me.....
Reply: --------------------------
I presume you have been under the care of an ear, nose, throat specialist at some point in time based on what you have posted. Therefore it is likely that he/she has carefully examined your throat and determined that there is no actual physical obstruction or constriction to the throat. This is often of concern to patients who experience the type of symptoms you have described and it is important to know that it is very straightforward for an ear, nose, and throat specialist to determine the presence of an anatomical abnormality which might account for such symptoms. When no actual anatomic abnormality is present, in my experience the symptoms you have described (throat tightness and phlegm accumulation) are often associated with gastroesophageal reflux. This is a condition whereby stomach acids reflux into the swallowing tube (esophagus) and occasionally reach as high as the pharynx or larynx causing inflammatory processes of swelling in the lining of the throat and increased secretions in the lining. Often this condtion can occur without dyspepsia or heartburn symptoms. Usually conservative measures such as avoidance of large meals immediately prior to going to bed and sleeping in an inclined position (2-3 pillows) combined with occasional use of antacids or medications designed to reduce stomach acidity are all that is required to satisfactorily reduce symptoms. Occasionally prescription medications are necessary.
--
Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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