OpenHealth Q&A

Throat and Ear Concerns

Greetings, fellow community members! This is my inaugural post, and after reviewing the guidelines, I believe this is the appropriate space for my inquiry. If it turns out otherwise, please feel free to inform me. I apologize in advance for the lengthy message; I aim to provide as much detail as possible. To give you some background about myself: I am a 26-year-old woman, approximately 190 pounds and 5'9" tall. I have a daily habit of using a vape (nicotine and delta 8) but consume alcohol only occasionally, maybe once or twice a month. My medical history includes no significant ENT issues aside from chronic strep throat during childhood. Currently, I am managing Hashimoto's thyroiditis and will be undergoing a lab test in a few days to monitor my levels. My medications include 90 mg of Armour Thyroid and 10 mg of Buspirone. Due to the impending blood test, I have halted all vitamin intake for the moment, although I typically take a multivitamin. Since roughly mid-June, I’ve been experiencing a sensation of something being lodged in my throat intermittently. According to my research, this is referred to as globus sensation. The discomfort is mostly located towards the back left side of my throat and lower, just above where it dips. At times, this feeling extends up towards my left ear, which occasionally feels blocked for lack of a better term. I'm aware that I’ve used the word "sometimes" frequently; it reflects how these sensations fluctuate and do not always occur together. Importantly, I have no issues with breathing or swallowing. Around this time, I had a scheduled appointment with my endocrinologist, who affirmed that my thyroid appeared to be functioning well and arranged for the aforementioned lab tests. In mid-July, I consulted a doctor at a Med Express clinic regarding these symptoms. He suggested I might be facing allergies for the first time, diagnosed me with an ear infection, and prescribed a 10-day regimen of cefdinir (if I recall correctly). Interestingly, during a week-long trip away in late June, I was symptom-free, which contributed to his allergy diagnosis. The doctor examined me for less than five minutes, primarily checking my ears, which I didn't mind. He correctly identified the ear infection; however, I'm starting to wonder about other underlying issues since my throat discomfort returned just two days after finishing the antibiotics, and my ear problems reemerged about a week after completing the course. My mother suspects it could be related to GERD, prompting me to take omeprazole and Claritin, per her suggestion and the doctor’s recommendation, respectively. However, I admit that I haven’t been very diligent with these medications, so I can't assert that they've made a difference. Now, I’m reaching out for guidance on how to navigate my situation effectively. As I live in a rural area, finding an ENT is challenging and often involves long waiting periods. I might consider revisiting the Med Express clinic, but I want to be well-informed about what to request during my visit. The doctors there are competent, but they tend to be in a hurry, so having a clear agenda would be incredibly beneficial. To complicate matters, my work hours align with most doctor's offices, and I've already exhausted my paid time off just attending necessary check-ups. Hence, the next medical consultation I pursue needs to be the right one, or I'll be out of options until April. Thank you immensely for taking the time to read my post; I appreciate any insights you might share!

Answers (1)

8/2/2025, 1:31:49 PM

OpenHealth AI

Main Points: You are experiencing a sensation of something lodged in your throat and occasional ear discomfort, which could relate to allergies, reflux, or other underlying conditions. Addressing your symptoms systematically and focusing on specific actions will help manage your discomfort.

Explanation: The sensation you’re describing, often called globus sensation, can arise from various causes, including allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or even muscle tension in the throat. Given your medical history and current symptoms, it’s understandable to have concerns about underlying issues, especially since you’ve recently experienced discomfort despite antibiotic treatment.

Allergies could cause throat and ear sensations, and it’s possible that the antibiotics only temporarily relieved an underlying condition. On the other hand, GERD can lead to throat irritation and sensations of fullness if stomach acid irritates the esophagus. The intermittent nature of your symptoms raises the possibility of both allergies and reflux contributing to your discomfort.

Next Steps:

1. Document Your Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary for the next week, noting when the sensations occur, their duration, and any potential triggers (like foods, activities, or environmental changes). This can help identify patterns.

2. Medication Compliance: Start taking the omeprazole (for reflux) consistently as suggested, and consider re-evaluating your use of Claritin (for allergies). Even if you are not diligent with them now, observe if consistent use helps alleviate your symptoms.

3. Request Specific Tests or Consultations: When you can visit the Med Express clinic, clearly express your concerns about:

   • Persistent ear pressure and throat discomfort post-antibiotic treatment.
   • The potential for allergies or GERD, and ask if allergy testing or a referral to an ENT could be appropriate.
   • Discussing the possibility of an endoscopy if symptoms persist, which can provide a clear view of your esophagus and throat.

4. Investigate Lifestyle Factors: Limit vaping since it can irritate your throat and exacerbate both allergy-like symptoms and GERD. Ensure your diet is conducive to controlling reflux — avoid spicy or acidic foods, and consider smaller, more frequent meals.

5. Follow-Up on Blood Work: Once the results from your thyroid lab tests come in, ensure you discuss any fluctuations in your health with your healthcare provider, as thyroid hormone levels can also impact energy and general discomfort.

In summary, gather your observations, stay consistent with medications, and communicate precisely with your healthcare providers to ensure you are on the right path. Please let me know if you have more questions or need further clarification!