OpenHealth Q&A

Persistent Discomfort in My Throat and Dismissive Diagnosis from ENT

Hello, I’m aware this may sound trivial to some, but I’m a 24-year-old male who’s been seeking answers for several months, only to encounter skepticism. I firmly believe my situation is more complex than what my ENT suggests, so I ask you to hear my story. (Summary at the end) Approximately two months ago, I woke up convinced that I had inhaled and possibly lodged a piece of rice from dinner the previous night in my throat or nasal passage. Initially, I thought I had developed a cold due to a mild sore throat. However, I soon realized that the discomfort wasn’t typical of a cold and wasn’t affecting my voice either, which is usually a telltale sign for me. That’s when I surmised that the sensation might be linked to the rice incident. I attempted numerous nasal rinses and tried every method of coughing and sneezing I could think of, even using nasal sprays, yet nothing provided relief. The situation became increasingly perplexing as I felt as though I might be able to dislodge whatever was bothering me under certain conditions. Concerned about potential nasal infections, I consulted my doctor and secured an appointment with an ENT specialist. Just a couple of days prior to my ENT visit, I genuinely experienced a blockage in my nasal passage, which I promptly cleared. This incident further clarified that what I’m feeling is not in my nasal area; it’s actually located deeper within my throat. During the appointment, the ENT examined my nasal passages with a camera upon my insistence that the issue lay elsewhere. He diagnosed me with allergies, attributing the sensation to irritation and accumulation. When I inquired if something could be lodged further back in my throat, he assured me that it couldn't be. Consequently, he prescribed me allergy medication and a nasal spray. Having dealt with allergies all my life, I’m convinced this isn’t an allergic reaction—there’s something lodged within me, persistently reminding me of its presence. Why would I suddenly start having these allergy-like symptoms right after I suspected I inhaled that rice? Now, post-ENT visit, I find myself unsure of the next steps to take. The feeling is constant, and I feel foolish for voicing my concerns. My girlfriend and my father don’t believe there’s anything unusual going on at all. Additionally, I can’t take the allergy medication prescribed because they make me drowsy, and that’s a particular issue for me due to my sleep apnea that I’m currently receiving treatment for. Is there anyone who might have insight into what this sensation could be? Summary: I believe there’s an obstruction in my throat, near my nasal area, which might be mistaken for allergies, but it’s definitely past my uvula and not in my tonsils. Although it occasionally causes me to cough, my ENT insists it’s allergies; I am certain that's not accurate.

Answers (1)

7/3/2025, 9:01:45 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you’re experiencing ongoing discomfort in your throat, which has persisted for several months and has not improved despite seeing an ENT specialist. Your concerns are valid, especially with the unusual onset of symptoms following an incident where you felt something might have lodged in your throat. Let’s break down possible causes and actionable steps you can take.

Main Points

1. Understanding your symptoms: Persistent throat discomfort can be due to several factors, including irritation from allergies, post-nasal drip, or even reflux issues.
2. Next steps: Considering your experience and concerns, let’s discuss ways to manage your symptoms and explore other possible causes.

Explanation

Your symptoms may stem from allergies, as suggested by your ENT, but it’s understandable that you feel there could be something more at play. Allergic reactions can certainly provoke throat irritation, but feelings of a blockage can also be linked to other conditions like:

• Post-nasal drip: This occurs when mucus drips down your throat from your nasal passages, often leading to irritation and discomfort.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Acid from the stomach can irritate the throat and give a sensation similar to having something lodged there.
• Muscle tension: Stress or anxiety about the sensation can also cause extra tension in the throat muscles, leading to discomfort.

Actionable Next Steps

1. Keep a symptom diary: Track when you experience discomfort, including time of day, activities, and any dietary factors. This may help identify patterns or triggers.
2. Try saline nasal rinses: Continuing with saline rinses might help clear any residual mucus or allergens from the nasal passages and throat, which could be contributing to your sensation.
3. Explore alternatives for allergies: If the prescribed allergy medications cause drowsiness, discuss with your doctor the possibility of non-drowsy alternatives. They can suggest newer medications or other treatment options.
4. Dietary modifications: If reflux is a concern, consider smaller, more frequent meals and avoid trigger foods (spicy, fatty, or acidic foods) to see if symptoms improve.
5. Stress management techniques: Implement relaxation strategies (like deep breathing or mindfulness) to help reduce muscle tension around your throat, which could aid in symptom relief.

If your discomfort continues or worsens, or you develop new symptoms (like difficulty swallowing, persistent cough, or significant changes in voice), it may be worth seeking a second opinion from another specialist, such as a gastroenterologist or an otolaryngologist (ENT).

I acknowledge how frustrating it must be to have your concerns dismissed, but it’s important to trust your instincts about your own health. Take these steps, and let me know if you need further information or support.