What Causes Sore Throat, Hoarse Voice And Swollen Neck?

Posted on Mon, 22 Jun 2015

Question: I have a sore throat and and my voice hoarse. The front of my neck is swollen and I have trouble swallowing. It feels like its hard to breathe. My left ear hurts at night when I'm in bed. It hurts the front of my neck to even look down. Then last night my feet were very hot my lips were numb.the back of my tongue is sore. I have a Doctors appointment in a few weeks but should I be worried.

I have also had some stomach problems, like bloating even when I drink water or eat anything not sure if this is related

Answered by Dr. Paparaja S (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Could be Respiratory infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to healthcare magic.
I had gone through your question.
I can understand your concern.
This could be respiratory infection. Voice change could be due to involvement of vocal cord. Since our ears are connected to back of the nose through a tiny tube, so any infection in the throat could easily spread to ears. Your ear problem could be because of this.
Bloating could be due to gastritis.
I recommend the following.
1) A course of antibiotics.
2) Analgesic like tablet paracetamol or ibuprofen.
3) Voice rest.
4) Drink enough water to prevent dehydration.
5) Avoid smoking. If you are not a smoker, kindly ignore this suggestion.
6) Avoid refrigerated drinks and food.
You will be fine.
7) Take warm and non spicy diet.
8) Salt water gargling. Add a pinch of salt to a glass of warm water.
9) Avoid taking coffee and tea in empty stomach.
10) Proton pump inhibitors like tablet rabeprazole.

Please check if you can get the doctor's appointment a bit early, in next week or so. Or it would be better to go to the ER once and get examined physically.

Hope I have answered your question. If you have any questions, I am happy to help.
Wish you a good health and speedy recovery.
Regards,
Dr Paparaja S MBBS MS
Consultant ENT Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Paparaja S (8 hours later)

Thanks! Just also wanted to ask if this could have anything to do with my thyroid
I seem to have trouble keeping it up . It's low and I have been on meds and get it checked every 3 mts. I didn't know if that would have my neck so swollen.

Answered by Dr. Paparaja S (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Thyroid could be the cause for your neck swelling.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the follow up.
Neck swelling could be due to thyroid.
You might need an USG neck and clinical examination for confirmation.

Take care.

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. Yogesh D