For about two months now, I have had an uncomfortable feeling in my neck and
throat accompanied by a lack of energy, a slightly dizzy feeling, and some
ear pressure. I also had sinus problems and swollen glands until about a
month ago until I was given antibiotics. Now, my doctor says that my sinuses
are o.k. and I appear to be altogether fine, but I still have the
uncomfortable feeling in my neck and just don't feel "right". I have a
friend who has gone through the same ordeal (several trips to the doctor &
twice given antibiotics) - and he has had the same symptoms since December.
He has also informed me that a coworker has been experiencing the same
symptoms as well. I also had bloodwork done for mono, etc. and nothing
appears to be wrong. Since I am personally aware of three of us, certainly
there must be others out there experiencing the same thing. Please lend us
some advice.
Thank you.
Reply: ---------------------------
The "uncomfortable feeling" in your neck and throat is a little too
vague of a description for me to render an opinion as to possible
causes. Any upper respiratory infectious condition could cause myalgia
(inflammatory muscle pain) or inflammation of lymph nodes in the neck
and these are two possible causes for such symptoms. Ear pressure, and
slight imbalance could possibly indicate residual eustachian tube
dysfunction which not uncommonly follows an upper respiratory infection
and may last for several weeks before slowly resolving. In other words,
it is conceivable that the constellation of symptoms you are describing
are more or less sequelae of a prior upper respiratory infection
although the time frame (2 months) would exceed the usual expectations.
I might suggest consultation with an ENT specialist.
--
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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