Throat
Problems
Patients
often come to
see me with
neck and throat
problems. The
types of the
complaints I
normally hear
are:
 |
Pressure
and fullness
in the
throat |
|
Difficulty
swallowing
with a
sense
of something
stuck
in the
throat |
|
Hoarseness/voice
changes |
|
A
need to
constantly
clear
the throat |
|
Chronic
coughing |
|
A
sensation
of something
lodged
in the
throat |
|
Excess
drainage
down the
back of
the throat |
Any of these
symptoms that
persist greater
than one month
MUST be evaluated
to rule out
both benign
and malignant
tumors. The
vast majority
of patients
with these
complaints
do not have
tumors. Typically
these complaints
are more often
due to chronic
sinus infections,
allergies
and heartburn
problems.
A test called
a diagnostic
laryngoscopy
is often used
to evaluate
what the problem
is. I use
this fiber
optic exam
to be able
to directly
visualize
the throat.
It is a fast,
simple and
painless procedure
that can be
performed
in my office.
Once the underlying
medical problem
is treated
most patients
have total
resolution
of the above
complaints. |
