Unraveling My Health Mystery: What Could It Be?
I’m a 30-year-old woman, weighing 115 pounds and standing at 5’2". In January of this year, I began to experience a persistent sore throat. After visiting an ENT specialist, I was diagnosed with silent reflux. Despite completing a three-month course of pantoprazole and Pepcid, there was no improvement. I made several lifestyle changes, opting for healthier foods and reducing my intake of fried and processed items. I also made it a point to stop eating several hours before bedtime and to identify potential triggers. Interestingly, I can sense the liquid rising in my throat, yet there is no accompanying pain—this occurs even after consuming something as benign as water or nibbling on carrots. Seeking further clarity, I consulted another ENT who performed a throat scope. The results revealed mere irritation in my throat without any indication of reflux. He suggested that it might be a chronic low-grade infection and recommended antibiotics, pending an endoscopy if further issues arose. I went ahead with the endoscopy, but nothing conclusive was discovered. The doctor concurs that reflux is likely not the cause, so the next step is to take an antibiotic. They also conducted a biopsy of my throat for further assurance, and I’m currently awaiting those results. Despite two different doctors advising against the reflux diagnosis, I still feel a frequent sensation of liquid rising after meals, and it has now been six months of enduring this sore throat. I don’t engage in smoking or drinking. Over a span of three months, I’ve unintentionally shed 15 pounds. Initially, this weight loss felt beneficial due to my dietary adjustments, but I’m now continuing to lose weight without effort. I maintain an active job; however, I recognize that I lack sufficient exercise. Recently, I’ve been feeling particularly fatigued, which is disheartening. My concern is that I might lose more weight than is healthy for me. I typically consume three meals a day, and on occasion just have snacks for lunch, but my caloric intake seems adequate. What’s actually happening to my health? The answers from doctors remain elusive. My stress levels have remained constant, sometimes increasing, but I generally handle it well. Blood tests returned normal results, except for a instance of low platelets six months ago which has since resolved. I have a history of IBS and regular bouts of diarrhea, which have been consistent since I was 18, and I underwent a normal colonoscopy at that age. Any recommendations on what to explore next would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for taking the time to read my situation.
Answers (1)
7/10/2025, 7:40:54 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a complex set of symptoms that have been quite distressing. You’ve dealt with a persistent sore throat, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue, while also navigating different medical opinions and tests. The situation is concerning, especially since you’re losing weight unintentionally and feeling fatigued. Here’s a concise summary and clear steps you can take.
Main Points
- You have a persistent sensation of liquid rising in your throat, weight loss, and fatigue, with a history of IBS.
- Despite testing and medical advice, the underlying cause remains unclear.
Explanation
Your symptoms suggest that there may be several interacting factors at play. While silent reflux seemed like a plausible cause at first, the lack of response to treatment, along with the findings from the second ENT, points towards something not yet identified. The sensation of liquid rising could relate to a hypersensitivity in your throat or potential esophageal motility issues, which can be exacerbated by your IBS history.
Unintentional weight loss and fatigue are indeed concerning and may indicate that your body is not absorbing nutrients effectively or is facing another underlying issue.
Next Steps
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Continue with the antibiotic regimen as prescribed: This can help address any potential low-grade infection.
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Monitor your Dietary Intake: Pay close attention to your weight, and consider keeping a detailed food diary. Document what you eat, your portion sizes, and how you feel before and after meals. This can help identify patterns that may need further investigation.
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Focus on Caloric Density: Since you’re losing weight, aim to include more calorie-dense foods like nuts, avocados, and smoothies if solid foods are uncomfortable. Eating small, frequent meals may help.
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Address Fatigue: Explore ways to integrate physical activity into your routine gradually. Even light exercises like walking can help boost energy levels and improve overall well-being.
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Follow Up on Biopsy Results: Make sure to discuss the biopsy results with your doctor promptly once they arrive, as they might provide further clarity about any underlying throat issues.
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Consider a Gastroenterologist Consultation: Since your symptoms have persisted, consulting a gastroenterologist familiar with esophageal motility disorders could be beneficial for further evaluations.
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Manage Stress: Even though you handle stress well, consider practices like mindfulness or gentle yoga, which can improve overall health and possibly aid digestive issues.
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Seek Emotional Support: Chronic symptoms can take a toll emotionally. Consider talking to a counselor or therapist to help manage the stress and emotional load of your health concerns.
It's important to stay proactive in your health journey. If your symptoms worsen or if new symptoms arise, reach out to your healthcare provider promptly. You're not alone in this, and getting to the root cause will take time and persistence. Let me know if you have further questions!
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