Cancer Research UK main site

Consistent sore throat, finally have ENT referral

sshahi1
Offline

I'm 20 years old mpharm student and have had a consistent sore throat since about October. It makes no sense at all! Some days I have flu/cold like symptoms and feel tired and achey especially during the night. My glands in throat feel swollen and I get jaw, throat, neck and ear aches. 

I've been given antibiotics and bloods tests and swabs to rule out any fevers and infections but they've all come back negative. I've finally been referred to ENT to have a camera down my nose as my Gp is confused to why my throat is still hurting. 

Thankfully I've not had any weight loss and the only other issues I have is low iron and IBS. 

I'm so worried and I am constantly googling trying to diagnose myself and only make my anxiety worse. My friends are always telling me off for turning to google for everything  

  • Hello Sshahi and welcome to the forum.

    I'm sorry about the symptoms you've been contending with as they sound very taxing but hopefully your ENT referral can finally determine the cause.

    Waiting for tests is always tough but you're not alone as we have a lot of members in similar positions and I'm sure some of them will be along soon to offer their support and advice.

    In the meantime, do try and stay away from Google as it will only make your fears and anxiety worst. Instead try to keep busy and distract yourself with things you enjoy as it will help take your mind off this and make time go that little bit quicker whilst you wait.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline

    Hi sshahi1.  Welcome to the forum.

    There seem to be a lot of people in your situation.  There's a huge thread on this forum, with over 140 posts: see Chronic Sore Throat.  And while that's the longest thread, there are quite a few others so it would seem to be a common problem.

    I happen to be someone who wakes up with a sore throat each morning and then it niggles (or worse) all day.  I had an ENT referral a couple of years ago, with an endoscope up the nose and down the throat, and an MRI, and finally a panendoscopy under general anaesthetic.  No cancer found, and no proper cause found. 

     

     

  • Offline in reply to telemando

    Hi! 

    Thank you! That does sort of make me feel a little relieved. I keep imagining the worst but I tell myself there is no point worrying without an actual diagnosis and proof to show me something is wrong. 
     

    I hope you are feeling okay :) 

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.