I Am 34 Years Old. I Have Health Anxiety Along

Posted on Thu, 11 Apr 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I am 34 years old. I have health anxiety along with acid reflux. I’ve been smoking and drinking since 19. I recently quote drinking a month ago. I usually drank about 6 beers a day roughly 3-5 times a week. As, far as smoking it was usually a pick a day. I quite in total of smoking on and off for about 2-3 years so all and all I’ve been smoking for about 11-12 years. Recently, I have a bad cough and runny nose along with a headache. When I coughed my whole chest hurt, it felt like the flue minus the fever, I never had a fever. It last about 4 days and for the past two days I feel better but I do still have a slight cough and my nose still feels a bit stuffy. I have no other symptoms no fever, no night sweats, no chills and no weight loss. Being that I have health anxiety I’m always feeling about my body for bumps or lymph nodes. So two days ago I felt on top of my right collarbone a very small pea shape (lymph node) at least that is what I XXXXXXX be it is. It’s very small the size of a pea if not a tad bit smaller, it’s soft, rubbery, moveable and it’s tender (painful) when I press or play with it. I’m wondering what this can mean. Since, I have health anxiety I’m always reading things online and usually online it’s always bad news for everything you type in. I’m wondering can that area swoll from an infection or in your opinion with everything I’ve told you along with my age can this be cancer? Not saying that you are at all but I’m not looking for a generic answer I’m emote looking for an honest educated opinion. If you were me would you be worried? It’s been a week now the lymph node hasn’t changed in size meaning I’m not sure if it had shrunk or just remained the small pea shape it has been but what I can say it hasn’t gotten bigger and it doesn’t hurt anymore.

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You got Viral infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Running nose associated with Cough is typical of Viral Infection.If Cough is associated with Sputum, secondary Bacterial infection might have been started.
In simple viral infection with running nose,I prescribe Antihistamine tablet.If Sputum is present,I add Antibiotic Amoxycillin to my patients.
Regarding a small swelling near Collar bone with short duration,,Cancer is not a possibility.Most probably,a lymph node which got enlarged due to Infection.Simple investigation like FNAC(FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY) will give a clue.
Don't be anxious.
Now a days, Medical field is very much advanced.
Please consult your doctor and proceed further.
Nothing to worry.
Hope I answered your query.If you have any questions,I will clarify further.
Wish you good health
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (7 hours later)

Thank you so much for your knowledge. Yes, it’s been a week now if not a tad bit longer the node is still there very small movable not painful anymore and hasn’t got bigger at all. So, you do not think this is cancer at all?

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It doesn't seem to be Cancer

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I can say with certainty that it is not Cancer.

Best test to rule out Cancer is FNAC. It is a simple test.

I have seen many cases of enlarged Lymph node which persists for months/years. It is called Chronic Lymphadenitis due to Non-specific infection.
So, nothing to worry.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (3 days later)

I do not have insurance so can you please write me a prescription for the antibiotics? Please.

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I am sorry to say that I cannot write without proper Diagnosis

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am sorry to say that I cannot write Antibiotic without Confirmed Diagnosis.
Routinely,I write Amoxycillin 500mg twice daily for 1 week to my patients with similar complaints.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D