[27M] With severe throat symptoms and respiratory issues

Patient Description

A 27-year-old male reports persistent difficulty swallowing for over a year, with a sensation of something being stuck in the throat. He has a constant, severe cough, producing white hard phlegm and occasionally blood, ongoing for the past month. The patient has one enlarged tonsil and experiences ear pain, severe hoarseness, and shortness of breath, all persisting for six months. He has also experienced significant weight loss, changes in appetite, fever, and night sweats. The patient smokes nearly a pack of cigarettes daily and feels as though he has constant allergies. He has a history of tonsil stones and possibly tonsillitis since age 17. No current medications are being taken, and there are no known drug allergies. The patient has not sought medical evaluation for these symptoms.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Your symptoms could be related to several conditions:

  1. Chronic Tonsillitis or Tonsil Stones: The holes in your throat and enlarged tonsils may indicate chronic tonsillitis or tonsil stones. These can cause difficulty swallowing, a sensation of something stuck in your throat, and coughing up white material.

  2. Respiratory Infection or Inflammation: The severe cough, coughing up blood, and shortness of breath could suggest a respiratory infection or inflammation, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Smoking can exacerbate these symptoms.

  3. Allergic Reactions or Postnasal Drip: Constant allergy-like symptoms and ear pain might be due to postnasal drip or allergies, which can also contribute to throat irritation and cough.

  4. Potential Serious Conditions: Given the weight loss, fever, night sweats, and coughing blood, it's important to rule out more serious conditions like tuberculosis or other lung issues.

What you can do

  1. Seek Medical Attention: It's crucial to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible for a thorough evaluation. They may recommend tests like a throat swab, chest X-ray, or blood tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.

  2. Quit Smoking: Reducing or quitting smoking can significantly improve your respiratory health and reduce irritation in your throat and lungs.

  3. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help thin mucus and soothe your throat.

  4. Use a Humidifier: Keeping the air moist can help ease throat irritation and coughing.

  5. Over-the-Counter Relief: Consider using throat lozenges or saline nasal sprays to relieve throat and nasal symptoms.

  6. Track Symptoms: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track progress, and share insights with your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

  • Increased difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • High fever or persistent fever
  • Significant weight loss or fatigue
  • Worsening cough or increased blood in phlegm

Remember, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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2 mo ago

People Also Ask

What could cause a persistent sensation of something being stuck in the throat?

A persistent sensation of something being stuck in the throat could be caused by chronic tonsillitis, tonsil stones, or other throat conditions. It may also be related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or esophageal disorders.

Why might someone experience coughing up blood along with a severe cough?

Coughing up blood, known as hemoptysis, can be caused by respiratory infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, or more serious conditions like tuberculosis or lung cancer. It is important to seek medical evaluation to determine the cause.

How can smoking affect respiratory symptoms like cough and shortness of breath?

Smoking can irritate the respiratory tract, leading to increased mucus production, inflammation, and damage to lung tissue. This can exacerbate symptoms like cough and shortness of breath and increase the risk of respiratory infections.

What are the potential serious conditions associated with symptoms like weight loss, fever, and night sweats?

Symptoms like weight loss, fever, and night sweats can be associated with serious conditions such as tuberculosis, certain cancers (like lung cancer), or other systemic infections. These symptoms warrant prompt medical evaluation to rule out serious underlying conditions.

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