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For The Past 4 Weeks I Have Had Trouble Swallowing.
Question: For the past 4 weeks i have had trouble swallowing. It isn't actually difficulty in doing so, but more like there is a lump there. I have what I believe to be a goiter and that has been there for years. I had my blood tested and my tsh, t3/4 levels were normal. Recently, it feels as if the eustachian tube has been clearing out as for these 4 weeks I have that pulsing feeling in my ear. I've just never had the symptoms last this long. My ear (left, the only one that is experiencing this) feels full and now when I get the bouts of pulsing on my ear I get dizzy/nauseous to the point of vomiting. I have no insurance until the 1st and wanted to wait it out. I am always tired and fatigued recently with increasing headaches near the rear base of my head on my right side. Trouble concentrating.
Brief Answer:
You can wait it out until insurance kicks in...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I went through the details posted with diligence. Goiter unless they are extremely large don't cause compression symptoms. And large goiter are very obvious. You can post a picture of the neck both the front and side on and I can check if it is a large one there.
It's good to know your thyroid functions are normal. But did you by chance also have a complete hemogram done. Sometimes anemia makes one feel lumps in the food pipe especially during swallowing.
Beside anemia, I will also consider possibilities of post nasal drip, sinus inflammation and eustachian tube dysfunctions as you also report ear fullness, pulsing within the ear, headache and dizzy spell. I suggest you try steam inhalation, tylenol and zyrtec (alternatively tylenol cold and flu) for few days. It might ease your symptoms.
In all means, I think this isn't a concerning situation. You can wait until insurance is available.
Hope this helps. I will be here to answer any follow up questions that you may have.
Regards
You can wait it out until insurance kicks in...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I went through the details posted with diligence. Goiter unless they are extremely large don't cause compression symptoms. And large goiter are very obvious. You can post a picture of the neck both the front and side on and I can check if it is a large one there.
It's good to know your thyroid functions are normal. But did you by chance also have a complete hemogram done. Sometimes anemia makes one feel lumps in the food pipe especially during swallowing.
Beside anemia, I will also consider possibilities of post nasal drip, sinus inflammation and eustachian tube dysfunctions as you also report ear fullness, pulsing within the ear, headache and dizzy spell. I suggest you try steam inhalation, tylenol and zyrtec (alternatively tylenol cold and flu) for few days. It might ease your symptoms.
In all means, I think this isn't a concerning situation. You can wait until insurance is available.
Hope this helps. I will be here to answer any follow up questions that you may have.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr. XXXXXXX
Thank you so much for getting back to me. I've always been somewhat of a hypochondriac and stress/anxiety has actually caused this globus sensation before (I apologize if my terminology is incorrect, I'm just a lab rat in biotech).
My goiter is actually pretty small in comparison to others I've seen. It's really only noticeable and visible when I swallow and it rises and falls right below my XXXXXXX apple. In fact, after looking at pictures of goiters, even small goiters, I'm actually curious if that is what it is. Hypochondriac me started worrying it was a tumor of some sort (I smoked for 19 years, ages 12-31. I quit one year ago exactly come tomorrow).
Either way, a response from you has appeased a huge portion of my anxiety. Thank you again for a prompt response. I will try to upload a picture of my throat when I am able. I will also get tylenol/zyrtec to take for the next few days.
XXXXXXX
Thank you so much for getting back to me. I've always been somewhat of a hypochondriac and stress/anxiety has actually caused this globus sensation before (I apologize if my terminology is incorrect, I'm just a lab rat in biotech).
My goiter is actually pretty small in comparison to others I've seen. It's really only noticeable and visible when I swallow and it rises and falls right below my XXXXXXX apple. In fact, after looking at pictures of goiters, even small goiters, I'm actually curious if that is what it is. Hypochondriac me started worrying it was a tumor of some sort (I smoked for 19 years, ages 12-31. I quit one year ago exactly come tomorrow).
Either way, a response from you has appeased a huge portion of my anxiety. Thank you again for a prompt response. I will try to upload a picture of my throat when I am able. I will also get tylenol/zyrtec to take for the next few days.
XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Also try proton pump inhibitors...
Detailed Answer:
I am glad it helped you...
Small goiter doesn't cause compression symptoms and therefore I don't think that's causing the 'globus sensation'. Yes, stress and anxiety are also responsible. Besides, acid reflux is another major cause. You should also take Prilosec OTC until you get to see a doctor.
I extremely happy to know that you have quit smoking. It will keep you healthy.
Hope it helped. If your concerns are addressed please close the discussion and review.
Regards
Also try proton pump inhibitors...
Detailed Answer:
I am glad it helped you...
Small goiter doesn't cause compression symptoms and therefore I don't think that's causing the 'globus sensation'. Yes, stress and anxiety are also responsible. Besides, acid reflux is another major cause. You should also take Prilosec OTC until you get to see a doctor.
I extremely happy to know that you have quit smoking. It will keep you healthy.
Hope it helped. If your concerns are addressed please close the discussion and review.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr. XXXXXXX
One last thing. I really am waking up nauseous and vomiting almost every morning. I can ignore all the other symptoms but this is the only one concerning me.
Is this normal for any of the things I've mentioned above?
One last thing. I really am waking up nauseous and vomiting almost every morning. I can ignore all the other symptoms but this is the only one concerning me.
Is this normal for any of the things I've mentioned above?
Brief Answer:
Do not be overly concerned...
Detailed Answer:
I understand you are anxiety. I wish I can examine you and assure you nothing is wrong. But even with the limitations here, I can say that the symptoms may not be concerning as it seems to you.
You should try the aforementioned medicines for a few days:
1. Prilosec OTC before food once or twice daily for 2 weeks
2. Tylenol twice daily for few days.
3. Zyrtec once every day at night for few days
4. Steam inhalation.
See a doctor once your insurance is available.
I hope it helps you. If needed, I am here to help you further.
Regards
Do not be overly concerned...
Detailed Answer:
I understand you are anxiety. I wish I can examine you and assure you nothing is wrong. But even with the limitations here, I can say that the symptoms may not be concerning as it seems to you.
You should try the aforementioned medicines for a few days:
1. Prilosec OTC before food once or twice daily for 2 weeks
2. Tylenol twice daily for few days.
3. Zyrtec once every day at night for few days
4. Steam inhalation.
See a doctor once your insurance is available.
I hope it helps you. If needed, I am here to help you further.
Regards
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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