Chronic Sore Throat

Hi All, 

Just after a bit of advice, I've had a sore throat (especially when swallowing) for nearly 4 months now. Been to the docs numerous times, had 2 complete full blood tests (for all sorts), ultra sound of the throat/glands and also seen an ENT specialist who put a camera down my throat. All of which came back fine... But still the pain is there. Good old aniexty is 0telling me it still must be something serious although with all the tests which have been done i should be confident there isn't.

So question is, has any one had a viral infection which wouldn't shift/go away. Or could the anxiety just be causing this all along? 

Many thanks all in advance

Parents
  • Hi there. I have had the same thing for 6 months now.  All started from a normal cold and then a chest infection.

    Had a few CBCs and all come back clear, as did infection markers.

    They thought it was silent reflux and had 5 weeks of Omeprazole which did nothing.

    Had the camera down throat at ENT and he said no cancer but had swollen lymph nodes and should be ok in a few weeks. This was June and it's still bad now.

    Other doctors thought it was Glandular Fever, but 2 blood tests didn't confirm it. Was not strep either.

    Now they think it could be my thyroid (been on Levo for 11 years now).

    Got a throat ultrasound in a couple of weeks and done nothing but cry and cry for months as convinced I have cancer.  

    I so hope everyone on this thread is ok now and found out what they have.

  • I know how exactly hou feel. I've had a horrendous sore throat since 6 December. Told it was viral and that the reason I couldn't swallow because of gastritis. Nope, it's not that. Then this diagnosis became tonsillitis with an abscess so given antibiotics. Kept going back as constant fluid coming from my right tonsil. Keep getting the brush off from various GPS. Two weeks later the bacterial tonsillitis is back with lots of fluid coming from tonsil. When I explain to GP they say they either can't see anything or it's just mucus. Ended up at ENT on New Years Eve who said my tonsils weren't large enough for tonsillitis & also have me the brush off after literally looking in my mouth for 2 seconds. I've just had another 10 days antibiotic & had some swab tests done with a blood test for glandular fever this week. I'm so frustrated that nobody is listening to me & helping find the cause. I just keep getting told that my symptoms are not the normal presentation for a throat abscess or they don't know what it could be. I think next step is to strongly request a scan to see if there's something lurking that's not obvious from having a quick look in my mouth. Been off work for 4 weeks & so frustrated as getting nowhere.

  • Mintie - I feel so, so sorry for you.  Your story sounds so similar to mine.  

    My throat isn't so bad lately but still feels constricted and sore on and off and SICK of hearing it's anxiety based.  I am in acute pain with constocondrits which is getting worse and up A&E again last night myself for shooting pains down chest that have worsened.  Once more tests all come back normal and all they could say is  maybe "fibromyalgia" or maybe "slipped rib syndrome" and sent on my way with the usual "anxiety and take ibuprofen" rubbish.

    I have a cardio appt next week about my increasing ectopic beats and palpitations but guess that will just come back flipping normal as well.

    I think a scan should be your next step, but why arent doctors suggesting this?  It seems we do their jobs for them trying to find out what we could have online (even though they HATE when you do that - well try doing your jobs and sending us to specialists if you have no idea then!!).

     

    Best of luck and let me know how you get on xx

     

  • Hi, I had been suffering with a persistent sore throat for several months, but eventually I think I may have stumbled on the cause, at least in my case.

    My GP initially felt it was a bacterial infection and prescribed an antibiotic.  Problem persisted and I had a number of follow up tests with ENT specialist all of which came back normal, including the reflux monitor which I had to wear for 24 hours. 

    I went on holiday to the US for a couple of weeks in November and within two days of getting there the soreness in my throat when I swallow had all but disappeared.  Obviously, I began thinking maybe it was related to anxiety and the fact I was on vacation I was not thinking about it so much.  Having not had the problem for most of my vacation I returned home quite pleased with myself only for the problem to return within about 36 hours. 

    A friend in the US had suggested that if it did return when I got home, I should examine closely my home and work environment to check for any possible triggers.  To cut a long story short my better half has a fondness for scented candles, fragranced oil burners and those plugin air fresheners around the house.  I asked that we cease using all of them for a week or so to see if it would have any impact. Low and behold after a few days the sore throat again went away.  It has now been three weeks since we discontinued fragrance oil, essential oil, and other scented products around the home and my symptoms thankfully have not returned. This may not help you directly but may be of assistance to someone.

    Good luck and I hope you get to the bottom of the problem sooner rather than later.

  • I am glad you found out what caused yours. We don;t use things like oil burners in our home, so it's not that x

  • Hi just wanted to ask how you were doing? Are the results fine?

  • Hi just wanted to ask how are u doing now?

     

  • Thanks 

    Iv had the camera up nose down throat not the best experience but it was clear thankfully 

    I still get the pain in the side of throat it comes on and off and quite sever when it does  

    it's weird sometimes I feel like I can make it worse with the way my neck is I do still worry about it but try to think positive which I'm not great at 

    how are you 

  • Hi thank you for asking.

    I still have the same symptoms - painful swallowing, fatigue, weight loss, sore throat, dry mouth. 

    I saw an ENT consultant who gave me the all clear. I've also had a Barium Swallow which came back as abnormal. Apparently I have a crycopharangeal indentation in the muscle between the pharynx & the food pipe. I haven't yet had a follow up appointment for this - saw the report in my online records. No indication that it is cancer but hopefully something can be done to rectify it. I've also got a blood test to check for auto immune diseases.

     

  • The results did come back clear, but once more, nothing is ever followed up.  Sadly it looks like it's deja vu from last year as recently got a cold/cough and my throat is once again sore.  I just do not know what to do anymore.  Thank you so much for asking Nideba, and hope you are ok xx

  • I have been suffering with a sore throat for 5 months now and feel as though its getting worse. I have had blood tests which were fine. Also camera up the nose and checking throat. Everything ok apart from oral thrush. Was given tablets for that. Throat still very sore and feel as though I have sinus problems. Feels worse after eating and got put on lanzaprozole but that has done nothing. Waiting for another appointment at Ent. Seriously depressed with it now. 

Reply
  • I have been suffering with a sore throat for 5 months now and feel as though its getting worse. I have had blood tests which were fine. Also camera up the nose and checking throat. Everything ok apart from oral thrush. Was given tablets for that. Throat still very sore and feel as though I have sinus problems. Feels worse after eating and got put on lanzaprozole but that has done nothing. Waiting for another appointment at Ent. Seriously depressed with it now. 

Children
  • Sorry to hear you are still suffering Micky. I have the same and my sinuses are having problems too. Tried saline nasal rinse but it did something odd to my right sinus and it is all blown out and blocking my nostril. I am terrified that is cancer too. I am on a waiting list for ENT  but no idea if and when will be seen as my relationship with my Doctor is at an all time low.  I feel so depressed to and wanted to end my life on a few occasions recently. I get no help there either and cannot even take antidepressants as I have an eye condition.  I am terrified I will get this coronavirus too.  I feel like I am a prisoner in my own home and when I do go out I feel panicky. I so hope you get your appointment soon and they can help you.   

  • Hi Debsy_1971,

    I just wanted to drop you a note to say I'm sorry to hear how things have been going recently and how you're feeling.

    If you'd like to talk anything through with our nurses at any point, you can reach them on 0808 800 4040 - Monday-Friday, 9-5.

    In terms of your general mood, do give Samaritans a call - they are always available and always ready to support and offer good avice. Their number is 116 123.

    I hope you're finding this forum useful and continue to use it to reach out to others.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

  • I was told every visit when I had a camera down that they couldn't see anything ( I hade sore throat 5 months ) . I then noticed pea size lumps on my neck , swollen lymph glands so they did a biopsy & MRI my cancer is at the base of my tongue never showed up when looked at by the camera . Thank god my lymph became enlarged . I am just waiting for biopsies on my lymph & a CT scan to  get my cancer staged and then I'm ready to start treatment . 36 radio & 6 chemo . We know our own bodies I believe Go back & back again . If you have health insurance use that or if you can afford it go for a private opinion . Good luck I hope you get it sorted & I hope it's not cancer x x x PScjust because they can't see anything with their camera doesn't mean it's not there I'm proof of that . X x x

    hugs Ginny x x z

  • pls do give an update when you find out what stage the cancer is. Im hoping the best for you!

  • Thank you Ben - I thought last year was bad enough but this one has taken an even worse turn and I cannot function at all it seems. I go for help and do not get any.  Thank you for your kind words though x

  • Thanks for replying Debsy. Sorry to hear you are feeling so depressed aswell. I'm still waiting for appointment. Sometimes I am in so much pain with my throat. I just wish I knew what is causing it. Friends are starting to think it's in my head which hurts me that they think that. I just feel I am in limbo now waiting for ENT. Its definitely affecting my quality of life. 

  • I HATE that, when people think you are imagining it. I have been accused of it as well, even from doctors.  Yeah because we want to pretend we are in pain hey?!  I am not sure if that referral has even gone through and if I ring up to ask, I will get snapped at and told that there are "other more important things doctors are worried about and busy with".  Hugs to you and so hope you get seen soon xx

  • Hi just wanted to ask, if there any updates on the situation?

  • Is this for me nideba?

    i have had all my checks done so just waiting for my doctors to take all my notes to their weekly MDT meeting next Wednesday and sort out my treatment plan . I can't wait to get going now I'm sick of all this waiting . I just hope cancer treatment won't be held up because of the virus that worries me a bit . X x x