Suggest Treatment For Sore Throat

Posted on Sun, 5 Oct 2014

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

Sun, 5 Oct 2014 Answered on

Tue, 28 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Have had chronic sore throat for over 13 years. ENT did test to include CT. scan injecting iodine into my negative. I have also had biopsy completed of throat and esophagus. Can there be an infection they are missing? What test should I ask for?

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
videolaryngoscopy

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. A videolaryngoscopy (VL'scopy) should be done. If it has already been done, upload the images here.

2. Since you have a chronic sore throat, there will be signs in the VL'scopy.

3. In the light of the history given above, I would look at allergy and food intolerance, chronic reflux or indigestion, sinusitis/post'nasal drip, dehydration/ salivary problems, stress/ nutritional deficiencies and sleep apnea as the probable causes.

4. We can discuss this further as you fill in the details.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (4 hours later)

Dr. I have not had that procedure done. What do you think would cause this issue for this long a period of time. I have had blood work and it all came out normal. Could this be an autoimmune issue? Could it be an infection my Dr. missed? Thank You for your response.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
please get the procedure done

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. You should get the procedure done. It is a very simple examination. It will be useful.

2. It is good to hear that your blood tests are within normal limits. This and the fact that an infection is unlikely to linger on for more than a decade, point to some other cause.

3. It is more likely to be a local immune issue as autoimmune diseases tend to be wide spread throughout the body. I would like to know if there is lymphoid hypertrophy or signs of reflux in the throat on the VL'scopy.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (1 hour later)

I just read some of issues that cause lgmphoid hyperthrophy.They Include Epstein bar, Hiv or acid reflux. When I had esophagus biopsies they found irritation in my stomach. I will request the test you suggest. Seeing HIV as one of issues is scary though I don't. Believe I've been exposed. Could it be that? Would it not have killed me by know or would other issues not also being going on? I'm not a sickly person except for common cold.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
HIV is not likely, Reflux is.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. The Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) is very common worldwide. HIV is not likely in your case as by now it would have led to many more symptoms.

2. Reflux is more likely as there are signs on the gastro-esophago-scopy.

3. There are test for HIV and EBV available if you wish to rule out these infections.

4. I would suggest that you first get the procedure done, treat accordingly and then plan on doing such tests.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari