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lump on uvula, swollen throat, difficulty swallowing
Dejan420 posted:
Hi, about two weeks ago I came down with flu-like symptoms, namely sneezing, blocked sinuses etc no fever or headaches. After returning to work after 2 days I completely lost my voice while at work (I have to talk a lot as part of my job) , I could not speak for two days, my throat swelled up and I noticed a small lumps on the back of my throat and uvula, I have seen 4 doctors in this time and half have told me its viral an the other half prescribed antibiotics - which I have not yet taken, I feel very frustrated by the conflicting medical advice, a lab strep test was done about a week ago but came back negative, It has been 4 days since my flu-like symptoms have dissapeared but I have developed a "lump in throat" feeling sometimes when I swallow and my throat still looks really inflamed, I hope someone can provide some advice,
thanks,
Dejan
picture:
thanks,
Dejan
picture:
12 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:lump on uvula, swollen throat, difficulty swallowingHi, about two weeks ago I came down with flu-like symptoms, namely sneezing, blocked sinuses etc no fever or headaches. After returning to work after 2 days I completely lost my voice while at work (I have to talk a lot as part of my job) , I could not speak for two days, my throat swelled up and I noticed a small lumps on the back of my throat and uvula, I have seen 4 doctors in this time and half have told me its viral an the other half prescribed antibiotics - which I have not yet taken, I feel very frustrated by the conflicting medical advice, a lab strep test was done about a week ago but came back negative, It has been 4 days since my flu-like symptoms have dissapeared but I have developed a "lump in throat" feeling sometimes when I swallow and my throat still looks really inflamed, I hope someone can provide some advice,<br /><br />thanks,<br /><br />Dejan <br /><br />picture: <img src=http://oi48.tinypic.com/33eo4lf.jpg class=post_img />
Rod Moser, PA, PhD responded:
Thank you for this very graphic photo. I am sure glad that I do not run the hemorrhoid community board!
You have seen FOUR doctors, and are not asking an on-line opinion from a fifth medical provider....one who does not know your complete medical history and one who cannot examine you first hand.
The "bumps" on your pharynx are ectopic lymph tissue that we often call cobblestones. Lymph tissue reacts (enlarges, becomes inflammed) when it is fighting off infection. In most cases, cobblestones indicate a viral pathogen. Since you have had negative Strep tests and even had antibiotics prescribed, your cobblestones are probably viral, although allergies could be playing a role in this inflammatory response.
Viruses last about a week with the first three to four days being the worst. When a person is fighting off one viral infection, this person can still catch another virus, prolonging the recovery time. Allergies, of course, can last quite a bit longer.
You have seen FOUR doctors, and are not asking an on-line opinion from a fifth medical provider....one who does not know your complete medical history and one who cannot examine you first hand.
The "bumps" on your pharynx are ectopic lymph tissue that we often call cobblestones. Lymph tissue reacts (enlarges, becomes inflammed) when it is fighting off infection. In most cases, cobblestones indicate a viral pathogen. Since you have had negative Strep tests and even had antibiotics prescribed, your cobblestones are probably viral, although allergies could be playing a role in this inflammatory response.
Viruses last about a week with the first three to four days being the worst. When a person is fighting off one viral infection, this person can still catch another virus, prolonging the recovery time. Allergies, of course, can last quite a bit longer.
Report This| Share this:lump on uvula, swollen throat, difficulty swallowingThank you for this very graphic photo. I am sure glad that I do not run the hemorrhoid community board!<br /> <br />You have seen FOUR doctors, and are not asking an on-line opinion from a fifth medical provider....one who does not know your complete medical history and one who cannot examine you first hand.<br /><br />The "bumps" on your pharynx are ectopic lymph tissue that we often call cobblestones. Lymph tissue reacts (enlarges, becomes inflammed) when it is fighting off infection. In most cases, cobblestones indicate a viral pathogen. Since you have had negative Strep tests and even had antibiotics prescribed, your cobblestones are probably viral, although allergies could be playing a role in this inflammatory response.<br /> <br />Viruses last about a week with the first three to four days being the worst. When a person is fighting off one viral infection, this person can still catch another virus, prolonging the recovery time. Allergies, of course, can last quite a bit longer.
Dejan420 replied to Rod Moser, PA, PhD's response:
Thanks for the quick response Dr. Moser, it's really great to find out what the bumps actually are! I guess I will keep up the Manuka honey for another week and hope the inflammation subsides.
Thanks again for providing such a valueable service, you definately are an asset to the online community.
Regards,
Dejan
Thanks again for providing such a valueable service, you definately are an asset to the online community.
Regards,
Dejan
Report This| Share this:lump on uvula, swollen throat, difficulty swallowingThanks for the quick response Dr. Moser, it's really great to find out what the bumps actually are! I guess I will keep up the Manuka honey for another week and hope the inflammation subsides.<br /> <br />Thanks again for providing such a valueable service, you definately are an asset to the online community.<br /> <br />Regards,<br /> <br />Dejan
The honey is good, but you can also gargle with warm saline. Ibuprofen can also help with inflammation.
Thank you for your kind comments.
Thank you for your kind comments.
Report This| Share this:lump on uvula, swollen throat, difficulty swallowingThe honey is good, but you can also gargle with warm saline. Ibuprofen can also help with inflammation.<br /> <br />Thank you for your kind comments.
Casey154mx replied to Rod Moser, PA, PhD's response:
I have almost the same situation going on... Multiple doctors and an ENT specialist! My throat looks almost identical too.
Could this be HPV? That is one thing I am extremely worried about, but none of my doctors have ran any tests for it. I was prescribe Acyclovir, but that did nothing. I'm going on 5 months now with no real answers except that they are thinking about taking my tonsils out (at 31 I'm not too pumped about that).
My annual endoscopy came back with a biopsy saying I had some allergies in my throat, but after seeing an allergy specialist they diagnosed "Eosinophilic Esophagitis"... Could this be the culprit?
Your thoughts and suggestions are highly appreciated!
Could this be HPV? That is one thing I am extremely worried about, but none of my doctors have ran any tests for it. I was prescribe Acyclovir, but that did nothing. I'm going on 5 months now with no real answers except that they are thinking about taking my tonsils out (at 31 I'm not too pumped about that).
My annual endoscopy came back with a biopsy saying I had some allergies in my throat, but after seeing an allergy specialist they diagnosed "Eosinophilic Esophagitis"... Could this be the culprit?
Your thoughts and suggestions are highly appreciated!
Report This| Share this:lump on uvula, swollen throat, difficulty swallowingI have almost the same situation going on... Multiple doctors and an ENT specialist! My throat looks almost identical too.<br /><br />Could this be HPV? That is one thing I am extremely worried about, but none of my doctors have ran any tests for it. I was prescribe Acyclovir, but that did nothing. I'm going on 5 months now with no real answers except that they are thinking about taking my tonsils out (at 31 I'm not too pumped about that).<br /><br />My annual endoscopy came back with a biopsy saying I had some allergies in my throat, but after seeing an allergy specialist they diagnosed "Eosinophilic Esophagitis"... Could this be the culprit?<br /><br />Your thoughts and suggestions are highly appreciated!
Why are you getting an annual endoscopy? Acyclovir is for herpes, not HPV. A biopsy would reveal HPV and apparently, your biopsy did not find HPV. Biopsies are not 100% because it may be taken in an area where the lesion was not present. Usually multiple biopsies are recommended if the diagnosis is in question.
Removing the tonsils may solve a tonsil problem, but not a throat or uvular issue, since they will still be there. Eosinophilic esophagitis is related to allergies...another, entirely different area of involvement.
As you know, there is no such thing as an "identical throat", so a diagnosis cannot be made by a picture; especially a picture from a different person.
Removing the tonsils may solve a tonsil problem, but not a throat or uvular issue, since they will still be there. Eosinophilic esophagitis is related to allergies...another, entirely different area of involvement.
As you know, there is no such thing as an "identical throat", so a diagnosis cannot be made by a picture; especially a picture from a different person.
Report This| Share this:lump on uvula, swollen throat, difficulty swallowingWhy are you getting an annual endoscopy? Acyclovir is for herpes, not HPV. A biopsy would reveal HPV and apparently, your biopsy did not find HPV. Biopsies are not 100% because it may be taken in an area where the lesion was not present. Usually multiple biopsies are recommended if the diagnosis is in question.<br /> <br />Removing the tonsils may solve a tonsil problem, but not a throat or uvular issue, since they will still be there. Eosinophilic esophagitis is related to allergies...another, entirely different area of involvement.<br /> <br />As you know, there is no such thing as an "identical throat", so a diagnosis cannot be made by a picture; especially a picture from a different person.
Casey154mx replied to Rod Moser, PA, PhD's response:
Right... I understand, but after 4-5 months with no definite diagnosis my frustration is growing so I didn't think it would hurt to ask you since you seem very helpful (thank you btw). My neck is constantly tender, but a CT Scan and Ultrasound show only a 7mm thyroid nodule that doesn't seem too concerning for my doctors. Nothing seems to be helping and nothing seems to be found... Any other suggestions or recommendations?
As for my annual endoscopy, it was originally for acid reflux I was having, but it turned out I had barrett's esophagus in 2007. My more recent endoscopies have show that it has healed with the exception of this "allergy" biopsy (after some lifestyle changes and the meds).
Again, I sincerely thank you for your time!
As for my annual endoscopy, it was originally for acid reflux I was having, but it turned out I had barrett's esophagus in 2007. My more recent endoscopies have show that it has healed with the exception of this "allergy" biopsy (after some lifestyle changes and the meds).
Again, I sincerely thank you for your time!
Report This| Share this:lump on uvula, swollen throat, difficulty swallowingRight... I understand, but after 4-5 months with no definite diagnosis my frustration is growing so I didn't think it would hurt to ask you since you seem very helpful (thank you btw). My neck is constantly tender, but a CT Scan and Ultrasound show only a 7mm thyroid nodule that doesn't seem too concerning for my doctors. Nothing seems to be helping and nothing seems to be found... Any other suggestions or recommendations?<br /><br />As for my annual endoscopy, it was originally for acid reflux I was having, but it turned out I had barrett's esophagus in 2007. My more recent endoscopies have show that it has healed with the exception of this "allergy" biopsy (after some lifestyle changes and the meds).<br /><br />Again, I sincerely thank you for your time!
Not to defend your doctors, but I suspect they are frustrated as well in not being able to diagnose you. I am not sure of the level of care you are receiving, but have you had a high-level diagnostic consultation at a large, university-based medical center ENT department? Even if you have to fly/drive to one of these large research and teaching institutions, it is really only the cost of the airfare or gasoline that is the difference. I do not know what area of the world that you live, but WebMD does not permit us to give you a name or even an institution. Every year, I believe Newsweek (or Time...easy to get confused) has an issue devoted to the best hospitals and they do have an ENT classification. You can get this list on their web site.
Before going, you will need to systematically gather your records, scan, lab tests, medical notes, etc. to hand-carry with you.
Before going, you will need to systematically gather your records, scan, lab tests, medical notes, etc. to hand-carry with you.
Report This| Share this:lump on uvula, swollen throat, difficulty swallowingNot to defend your doctors, but I suspect they are frustrated as well in not being able to diagnose you. I am not sure of the level of care you are receiving, but have you had a high-level diagnostic consultation at a large, university-based medical center ENT department? Even if you have to fly/drive to one of these large research and teaching institutions, it is really only the cost of the airfare or gasoline that is the difference. I do not know what area of the world that you live, but WebMD does not permit us to give you a name or even an institution. Every year, I believe Newsweek (or Time...easy to get confused) has an issue devoted to the best hospitals and they do have an ENT classification. You can get this list on their web site.<br /> <br />Before going, you will need to systematically gather your records, scan, lab tests, medical notes, etc. to hand-carry with you.
Casey154mx replied to Rod Moser, PA, PhD's response:
I will do that! That has never been suggested, but that makes a lot of sense.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Report This| Share this:lump on uvula, swollen throat, difficulty swallowingI will do that! That has never been suggested, but that makes a lot of sense.<br /><br />Thank you!
Casey154mx replied to Casey154mx's response:
http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings
http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings/ear-nose-and-throat
http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings/ear-nose-and-throat
Report This| Share this:lump on uvula, swollen throat, difficulty swallowing<a href="http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings">http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings</a><br /><br /><a href="http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings/ear-nose-and-throat">http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings/ear-nose-and-throat</a>
Thanks, Casey....I knew it was one of them. I just didn't have time to research it at the moment I was addressing the blog. I am glad that you found it.
Report This| Share this:lump on uvula, swollen throat, difficulty swallowingThanks, Casey....I knew it was one of them. I just didn't have time to research it at the moment I was addressing the blog. I am glad that you found it.
ravi86 replied to Rod Moser, PA, PhD's response:
hi Rod, I have the same symptoms in my throat since last 2 months,I have seen four different GP with no solution,they prescribed me different antibiotics penicillin v, roxithromycin,moxiclev duo,clindamycin and nexium (6weeks)
which none of them helped me,last week went to the ent specialist,he did endoscopy and told me was only inflammation around voice box.,also did Barium swallow and throat culture which comes out negative,,still having the same symptoms on pharynx as above picture,,just wondering is there any allergy involved or what it could be ? any guidance will be good help Rod.Thank you
which none of them helped me,last week went to the ent specialist,he did endoscopy and told me was only inflammation around voice box.,also did Barium swallow and throat culture which comes out negative,,still having the same symptoms on pharynx as above picture,,just wondering is there any allergy involved or what it could be ? any guidance will be good help Rod.Thank you
Report This| Share this:lump on uvula, swollen throat, difficulty swallowinghi Rod, I have the same symptoms in my throat since last 2 months,I have seen four different GP with no solution,they prescribed me different antibiotics penicillin v, roxithromycin,moxiclev duo,clindamycin and nexium (6weeks)<br />which none of them helped me,last week went to the ent specialist,he did endoscopy and told me was only inflammation around voice box.,also did Barium swallow and throat culture which comes out negative,,still having the same symptoms on pharynx as above picture,,just wondering is there any allergy involved or what it could be ? any guidance will be good help Rod.Thank you
Same symptoms do not imply identical problems....can you be a bit more specific about YOUR symptoms? A picture is said to be worth a 1000 words, but not in medicine....especially if the picture is not even of your throat. A medical provider would have to examine YOU first-hand -- obviously, not something that I can do over the Internet.
Allergies are a common human affliction but I do not have enough specific information about you or your case to implicate allergies. You appear to have had a thorough diagnostic work-up. Did you mention your concern about allergies to your medical providers?
Allergies are a common human affliction but I do not have enough specific information about you or your case to implicate allergies. You appear to have had a thorough diagnostic work-up. Did you mention your concern about allergies to your medical providers?
Report This| Share this:lump on uvula, swollen throat, difficulty swallowingSame symptoms do not imply identical problems....can you be a bit more specific about YOUR symptoms? A picture is said to be worth a 1000 words, but not in medicine....especially if the picture is not even of your throat. A medical provider would have to examine YOU first-hand -- obviously, not something that I can do over the Internet.<br /> <br />Allergies are a common human affliction but I do not have enough specific information about you or your case to implicate allergies. You appear to have had a thorough diagnostic work-up. Did you mention your concern about allergies to your medical providers?
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