Painful swallowing for over 5 weeks
Discussion
Hi folks, don't think I've posted in Health section before but read plenty of informative stuff. I'm 49, 6'1", non smoker, drink at times, reasonably fit, put on weight about 95kg although it's dropped a bit in past few weeks from over 100.
Anyway, I'm getting various tests done by GP surgery, practitioner nurses mainly for an ongoing cough, sore throat and uncomfortable swallow. Swallowing feels like I'm swallowing a stone
It's been going on for over 5 weeks but I generally always have a cough. Four to five weeks ago my swallow was pure agony, my neck felt swollen but wasn't. Developed into a chest infection which cleared after about a week. Was eating paracetamol and ibuprofen.
Symptoms eased then returned so nurse took swabs for bacteria and viruses but they were clear. My inner ears were feeling bunged up too so difficulty hearing. No wax.
Given throat spray and nasal spray to stop rhinitis (?) They were semi effective but more of a masking effect.
Due to other symptoms, like sleeping lots, brain fog and sleepless nights, they got other bloods done for diabetes, testosterone, both really good. Cholesterol up on few years ago but not alarming.
Doctor phone appointment today, I mentioned my partner thinks I've sleep apnea and I suspect thyroid issues. He said thyroid was ok two years ago. I collected a sleep questionnaire today and will go through it with him next week.
My dad died at 49 and mum 59 both way younger than their siblings who lived or are living into 90s.
My mother died of throat cancer, had been slow to develop, she didn't smoke, drink ever and was fit and healthy. Because of that she was considering low risk so once after years of doctor's and hospital visits diagnosed was stage 4 terminal.
Now I'm not saying that's what I've got but it's a possibility. I'm not really thinking of it. Dr thinks it might be related to sleep apnea but how and why? Snoring? I've had my tonsils removed as a child so that's one less thing to cause SA.
Incidentally food doesn't feel like it's getting stuck but it has done in the past.
Just wondering if anyone else has any thoughts as to what's causing repeated painful swallowing?
Anyway, I'm getting various tests done by GP surgery, practitioner nurses mainly for an ongoing cough, sore throat and uncomfortable swallow. Swallowing feels like I'm swallowing a stone
It's been going on for over 5 weeks but I generally always have a cough. Four to five weeks ago my swallow was pure agony, my neck felt swollen but wasn't. Developed into a chest infection which cleared after about a week. Was eating paracetamol and ibuprofen.
Symptoms eased then returned so nurse took swabs for bacteria and viruses but they were clear. My inner ears were feeling bunged up too so difficulty hearing. No wax.
Given throat spray and nasal spray to stop rhinitis (?) They were semi effective but more of a masking effect.
Due to other symptoms, like sleeping lots, brain fog and sleepless nights, they got other bloods done for diabetes, testosterone, both really good. Cholesterol up on few years ago but not alarming.
Doctor phone appointment today, I mentioned my partner thinks I've sleep apnea and I suspect thyroid issues. He said thyroid was ok two years ago. I collected a sleep questionnaire today and will go through it with him next week.
My dad died at 49 and mum 59 both way younger than their siblings who lived or are living into 90s.
My mother died of throat cancer, had been slow to develop, she didn't smoke, drink ever and was fit and healthy. Because of that she was considering low risk so once after years of doctor's and hospital visits diagnosed was stage 4 terminal.
Now I'm not saying that's what I've got but it's a possibility. I'm not really thinking of it. Dr thinks it might be related to sleep apnea but how and why? Snoring? I've had my tonsils removed as a child so that's one less thing to cause SA.
Incidentally food doesn't feel like it's getting stuck but it has done in the past.
Just wondering if anyone else has any thoughts as to what's causing repeated painful swallowing?
As an anaesthetist who has a throat cancer list every week, persistent painful swallowing needs investigated by an ENT surgeon.
You should be on a 2 week wait pathway.
It certainly could be something else, but exclude cancer before worrying about the other less time-sensitive diagnoses
You should be on a 2 week wait pathway.
It certainly could be something else, but exclude cancer before worrying about the other less time-sensitive diagnoses
I started having trouble swallowing - food felt like it was stuck in my throat/gullet and moving down slowly. Not painful though.
Had a few gastroscopies - it was a result of acid reflux damaging my oesophagus - via a hiatus hernia. Been on PPIs now for a good few years and all is okay as far as I know...
Sounds like we only have a slight overlap in symptons mind you.
Had a few gastroscopies - it was a result of acid reflux damaging my oesophagus - via a hiatus hernia. Been on PPIs now for a good few years and all is okay as far as I know...
Sounds like we only have a slight overlap in symptons mind you.
MercedesClassic said:
ucb said:
As an anaesthetist who has a throat cancer list every week, persistent painful swallowing needs investigated by an ENT surgeon.
You should be on a 2 week wait pathway.
It certainly could be something else, but exclude cancer before worrying about the other less time-sensitive diagnoses
Thanks for both of your replies I wasn't expecting anything so late in the day. I had mentioned to my GP (locum) who I'd never spoken to before but was lovely, that I have private medical via employment. I suggested he refer me to an ENT consultant but he seems to want to explore the Sleep Apnea route first I think. You should be on a 2 week wait pathway.
It certainly could be something else, but exclude cancer before worrying about the other less time-sensitive diagnoses
I had my regular dental check up a few weeks ago and because of family history oral and throat cancer they give me a good check over and said all good. Complimented me in my dental health for my age. No fillings etc. Although my tongue seems too big for my mouth I think, I can't see the back of my mouth when looking at the mirror.
Edited by MercedesClassic on Tuesday 12th September 04:52
Edited by MercedesClassic on Tuesday 12th September 04:53
ucb said:
As an anaesthetist who has a throat cancer list every week, persistent painful swallowing needs investigated by an ENT surgeon.
You should be on a 2 week wait pathway.
It certainly could be something else, but exclude cancer before worrying about the other less time-sensitive diagnoses
^what he said. You should be on a 2 week wait pathway.
It certainly could be something else, but exclude cancer before worrying about the other less time-sensitive diagnoses
49 y/o + persistent difficulty/pain in swallowing (in the absence of a tonsillitis etc) needs an OGD (camera test) to exclude dodgy causes.
This doesn't sounds like OSA to me.
I'd be going back to the GP and getting ref'd tbh.
Thanks for the replies guys. As mentioned I've a sleep questionnaire to complete to go through with GP next Thursday in person. I was going to see where that lead to.
However last night I woke out of my sleep and my throat more specifically my swallowing was extremely painful, last time was this bad was 5 weeks ago. That prompted me to set-up appointment with our online GP service through private medical insurance.
She's not assuming it's sleep apnea related but said it's a possibility. She's going nuclear on it and referred me to A, see an ENT specialist of my choice and B, a chest specialist. To A examine for mouth and throat cancer and B lung cancer.
Basically looking at the worst case scenario first rather than least case scenario that I find the NHS route tends to go, I assume for cost reasons.
I've to ring private hospital now and get the appointments made. Looking forward to getting answers, hopefully good news but prepared for anything. I'd rather not be in the dark so to speak.
Thanks again for your insights. Oh and acid reflux (silent type) was also mentioned on the call as a possibility too, I know someone suggested that.
Cheers
However last night I woke out of my sleep and my throat more specifically my swallowing was extremely painful, last time was this bad was 5 weeks ago. That prompted me to set-up appointment with our online GP service through private medical insurance.
She's not assuming it's sleep apnea related but said it's a possibility. She's going nuclear on it and referred me to A, see an ENT specialist of my choice and B, a chest specialist. To A examine for mouth and throat cancer and B lung cancer.
Basically looking at the worst case scenario first rather than least case scenario that I find the NHS route tends to go, I assume for cost reasons.
I've to ring private hospital now and get the appointments made. Looking forward to getting answers, hopefully good news but prepared for anything. I'd rather not be in the dark so to speak.
Thanks again for your insights. Oh and acid reflux (silent type) was also mentioned on the call as a possibility too, I know someone suggested that.
Cheers
UrbanAchiever said:
Many of your symptoms sound like silent reflux to me. I used to suffer from it before I had an operation to sort it.
Hope all those initial investigations come back clean.
Hi mate, I'd never heard of it before today. I've just looked up the symptoms and it's like a direct match. This is actually quite comforting, I'm not thinking or stressing about the worst case scenario but this helps too. Hope all those initial investigations come back clean.
I've read if meds don't sort it then surgery is an option, how did you find the procedure? Hopefully the recovery was easy? You've indicated it's been a success so that's positive.
Cheers
Ps, did you have pain up each side of your neck into your ears? I do and ears getting congested at times particularly when I had chest infection and post flight. A bit of tinnitus at times. Thanks
Edited by MercedesClassic on Tuesday 12th September 21:13
Clearly you need it properly checked but during Covid, I developed a cough, sore throat and couldn’t swallow
In the end I couldn’t breathe properly
I went to A&E, not being able to breathe is terrifying
Anyway how it relates to what you have expressed is that the silent reflux had migrated up to my throat and nose, irritated everything and it was like razor blades.
Again it’s another perspective but do get it checked as talking to the Doctor time is of the essence in these things
In the end I couldn’t breathe properly
I went to A&E, not being able to breathe is terrifying
Anyway how it relates to what you have expressed is that the silent reflux had migrated up to my throat and nose, irritated everything and it was like razor blades.
Again it’s another perspective but do get it checked as talking to the Doctor time is of the essence in these things
Acid reflux (silent or otherwise) damages the oesophagus long term, and can lead to infection as it messes up the natural bacterial balance in the throat.
In addition to damaging the gullet it can be a predisposing factor in throat cancer, along with other risk factors. As the folks have said above get it checked out. But also bear in mind what might be exacerbating it.
In addition to damaging the gullet it can be a predisposing factor in throat cancer, along with other risk factors. As the folks have said above get it checked out. But also bear in mind what might be exacerbating it.
MercedesClassic said:
Hi mate, I'd never heard of it before today. I've just looked up the symptoms and it's like a direct match. This is actually quite comforting, I'm not thinking or stressing about the worst case scenario but this helps too.
I've read if meds don't sort it then surgery is an option, how did you find the procedure? Hopefully the recovery was easy? You've indicated it's been a success so that's positive.
Cheers
Ps, did you have pain up each side of your neck into your ears? I do and ears getting congested at times particularly when I had chest infection and post flight. A bit of tinnitus at times. Thanks
I had a hiatal hernia repair and a linx device fitted. Recovery from the op was quick (keyhole) but took a long time for my symptoms to subside. Ultimately though its been a huge success. Since I had linx a new device has been developed which has excellent results too - refluxstop. Works in a very different way to linx but I know people who have had great success with it. I'd recommend RefluxUK who did my operation. Thankfully I had BUPA which covered it.I've read if meds don't sort it then surgery is an option, how did you find the procedure? Hopefully the recovery was easy? You've indicated it's been a success so that's positive.
Cheers
Ps, did you have pain up each side of your neck into your ears? I do and ears getting congested at times particularly when I had chest infection and post flight. A bit of tinnitus at times. Thanks
Edited by MercedesClassic on Tuesday 12th September 21:13
It's been a long time now but I think I do recall a pain on the sides of my throat radiating up into my ears. My ears were almost always sore. Having a cough is a common symptom of reflux as the stomach acid goes up your throat then down your windpipe. I know a number of people who were incorrectly diagnosed with adult onset asthma, only to later be correctly diagnosed with reflux.
Another sign of reflux may be sore eyes, and regularly getting styes. Plus blepharitis. It's not a very well known symptom but I suffered from this and didn't link it to the reflux. But as soon as I had the op it went away. I did some digging and found an Italian study that found a link between the two. So if you have that as well, it may be another sign that reflux may be your issue.
UrbanAchiever said:
I had a hiatal hernia repair and a linx device fitted. Recovery from the op was quick (keyhole) but took a long time for my symptoms to subside. Ultimately though its been a huge success. Since I had linx a new device has been developed which has excellent results too - refluxstop. Works in a very different way to linx but I know people who have had great success with it. I'd recommend RefluxUK who did my operation. Thankfully I had BUPA which covered it.
It's been a long time now but I think I do recall a pain on the sides of my throat radiating up into my ears. My ears were almost always sore. Having a cough is a common symptom of reflux as the stomach acid goes up your throat then down your windpipe. I know a number of people who were incorrectly diagnosed with adult onset asthma, only to later be correctly diagnosed with reflux.
Another sign of reflux may be sore eyes, and regularly getting styes. Plus blepharitis. It's not a very well known symptom but I suffered from this and didn't link it to the reflux. But as soon as I had the op it went away. I did some digging and found an Italian study that found a link between the two. So if you have that as well, it may be another sign that reflux may be your issue.
Thanks for flagging those options - I'll look into them. It's been a long time now but I think I do recall a pain on the sides of my throat radiating up into my ears. My ears were almost always sore. Having a cough is a common symptom of reflux as the stomach acid goes up your throat then down your windpipe. I know a number of people who were incorrectly diagnosed with adult onset asthma, only to later be correctly diagnosed with reflux.
Another sign of reflux may be sore eyes, and regularly getting styes. Plus blepharitis. It's not a very well known symptom but I suffered from this and didn't link it to the reflux. But as soon as I had the op it went away. I did some digging and found an Italian study that found a link between the two. So if you have that as well, it may be another sign that reflux may be your issue.
I had problems for years before I was diagnosed with a hiatus hernia. I've been on PPIs since then - must be about 10 years now.
At the time the hosiptal was dismissive of their surgery option due to the relative risk, and I've not heard from my doctor since.
I don't mind taking PPIs but I've heard long-term use isn't good.
UrbanAchiever said:
I had a hiatal hernia repair and a linx device fitted. Recovery from the op was quick (keyhole) but took a long time for my symptoms to subside. Ultimately though its been a huge success. Since I had linx a new device has been developed which has excellent results too - refluxstop. Works in a very different way to linx but I know people who have had great success with it. I'd recommend RefluxUK who did my operation. Thankfully I had BUPA which covered it.
It's been a long time now but I think I do recall a pain on the sides of my throat radiating up into my ears. My ears were almost always sore. Having a cough is a common symptom of reflux as the stomach acid goes up your throat then down your windpipe. I know a number of people who were incorrectly diagnosed with adult onset asthma, only to later be correctly diagnosed with reflux.
Another sign of reflux may be sore eyes, and regularly getting styes. Plus blepharitis. It's not a very well known symptom but I suffered from this and didn't link it to the reflux. But as soon as I had the op it went away. I did some digging and found an Italian study that found a link between the two. So if you have that as well, it may be another sign that reflux may be your issue.
Oh thanks for sharing that, it's very insightful. It's good to know they are making progress on the repair techniques. It's amazing how medical advances have come along, maybe more so in some areas than others. It's been a long time now but I think I do recall a pain on the sides of my throat radiating up into my ears. My ears were almost always sore. Having a cough is a common symptom of reflux as the stomach acid goes up your throat then down your windpipe. I know a number of people who were incorrectly diagnosed with adult onset asthma, only to later be correctly diagnosed with reflux.
Another sign of reflux may be sore eyes, and regularly getting styes. Plus blepharitis. It's not a very well known symptom but I suffered from this and didn't link it to the reflux. But as soon as I had the op it went away. I did some digging and found an Italian study that found a link between the two. So if you have that as well, it may be another sign that reflux may be your issue.
As for my eyes, well yes I've had blepharitis in the past a couple of times, I think it could be ten years ago. Sore eyes yes as well, although sometimes more the vision power isn't there sometimes. I get my eyes checked regularly via work voucher and pay £10 extra to get the eye scan done. Thankfully I've nearly perfect vision and no eye issues. Note to add I had a slight prescription 20 years ago but got laser surgery, best money I ever spent.
Regarding follow up, I phoned private hospital this morning and I've an appointment with ENT consultant tomorrow! Very pleased I got an appointment so promptly. If the 3 names AXA have me he was the only still working there. This I'm sure will only be a chat, next appointment tests then a final meeting with results.
As for respiratory consultant, well if the 3 names again 2 have left and the other one only sees children! Not impressed with AXA's specialist list. I need to check if they will pay a consultant the hospital recommended. If they say yes I'll be on his waiting list until late November!
Might get that appointment quicker via my GP.
Cheers everyone.
UrbanAchiever said:
You may well have a camera up your nose and down your throat during your first consultation with the ENT. It's a very simple procedure. A bit uncomfortable but absolutely fine.
I had this during my first meeting with my consultant.
Hope all goes well.
Been running around constantly so only updating now. Has private consultation Thursday night, last patient out of the building. I did indeed get the camera job to my surprise. Was able to view it on big screen as he narrated. Everything looked pink, healthy and symmetrical. I had this during my first meeting with my consultant.
Hope all goes well.
His conclusion was no cancer, thankfully, so silent acid reflux, Medical name Laryngopharyngeal Reflux.
I'll collect my prescription tomorrow for omeprazole, it's a PPI.
I'll see how I get on but in the meantime after the very useful comments on this fantastic thread I'd started sucking Gavascon tablet at bedtime and elevating my pillows, this has helped greatly. If after 6 weeks it's worse again I've to go back to him. I think then surgery might be considered.
Thanks everyone!
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