Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I have throat tightness and swelling from screaming and talking so much that when I swallow, I feel it getting worse. The lumps are big, and since my eardrums are connected to the throat, I can not hear anything anymore. I can not hear birds, planes, wind, rain, thunderstorms, and almost everything, and I am worried. I am going to go mute and deaf. I hear ringing, humming, buzzing, popping, and clicking noises in my ears when I swallow. I can not swallow, spit, eat, or drink.
Please help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I can understand your concern.
All the symptoms that you described are likely due to intense vocal overuse and possibly related to the ear-throat connection via the eustachian tubes.
1. Acute laryngitis or vocal cord injury: Overuse can inflame your vocal cords, causing tightness, hoarseness, lumps, and trouble swallowing. Vocal nodules or polyps can develop quickly and worsen these issues.
2. Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR): Chronic throat irritation, lump sensation, swallowing difficulty, hoarseness, and even voice box spasms often stem from stomach acid reaching the throat.
3) Eustachian tube dysfunction: Swelling near the throat can block your eustachian tubes, causing muffled hearing, popping, and buzzing.
My advice to you:
1. See an ENT (ear-nose-throat) specialist right away. They will perform a laryngoscopy to inspect your vocal cords and throat and check your eustachian tube function and middle ear status.
2. Vocal rest: Avoid speaking, whispering, or shouting until swelling reduces.
3. Hydration and humidification: Sip warm fluids, use a humidifier, and avoid irritants like smoke.
4. Manage reflux: Eat small meals, and avoid triggers (spicy and acidic foods, caffeine, and alcohol).
5. Do not lie down for at least three hours after eating.
6. Consider acid-reduction therapy (e.g., PPIs- proton pump inhibitors) under physician guidance.
7. Voice therapy: A speech-language pathologist can teach safe vocal techniques to reduce strain.
8. Ear care: Avoid inserting Q-tips; use warm compresses for the ear.
I hope this helps.
Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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