THROAT
THROAT PROBLEMS
Mr Oliver Dale is a Consultant ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon in Bristol, treating a full range of voice, swallowing and tonsil conditions. For information on snoring or sleep apnoea, or a lump in the neck, thyroid or salivary gland, see the dedicated Snoring & Sleep Apnoea and Neck Lumps pages.
TONSILLITIS
Tonsillitis may be either acute (characterised by a severe sore throat, temperatures and difficulty swallowing), or chronic (a constant, low grade sore throat). In either case, symptoms often mean that people miss time off work, and require frequent courses of antibiotics. When episodes of tonsillitis occur regularly, a tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils) provides good symptom relief.
VOICE PROBLEMS
The new onset of a hoarse or weak voice that has been present for more than 3 weeks should be investigated urgently. Assessment involves a thorough examination of the head and neck, including a fibreoptic examination of the voice box using a flexible endoscope. Treatment depends upon the cause of the voice problem, but may involve medications, speech therapy or surgery.
SWALLOWING PROBLEMS
Difficulty or discomfort swallowing food or liquids, or a sensation of food sticking in the throat, can have a number of causes, from a simple throat infection to reflux or narrowing further down the swallowing passage. Occasional swallowing difficulty during a cold or sore throat is common and usually settles quickly, but symptoms that persist, get worse, or are accompanied by weight loss, regurgitation or a change in voice should always be assessed promptly. A thorough examination, sometimes alongside a flexible nasendoscopy, helps identify the cause and guide the right treatment
SORE THROAT
A sore throat is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection and settles on its own within a week to ten days, helped by simple painkillers, fluids and rest. If sore throats are recurrent or persistent, they should be assessed, particularly if accompanied by difficulty swallowing, a change in your voice, or a lump in the neck. Any sore throat lasting more than three weeks should always be checked promptly. In most cases reassurance is all that's needed, but a thorough examination helps rule out any serious underlying cause.
HEAD & NECK CANCER
Some 'red flag' symptoms affecting the head and neck may indicate a serious underlying condition such as a mouth or throat cancer. These symptoms include a persistent sore throat, hoarse voice, swallowing difficulty or neck lump and should all be investigated urgently. More information on the investigation and management of head & neck cancer is available here.