QuestionHi, I have had persistent swollen glands under my jaw for as long as I can remember. My doctor always seems to dismiss them, saying they are enlarged but not clinically significant. For the last couple of months I've had a chronic sore throat, several negative strep tests & antibiotics with no relief. Now I am extremely fatigued most of the time and my tongue has begun to burn. My throat and neck feel tight, like they swelling shut and I have a feeling of food becoming stuck when I swallow, although it never actually sticks. I have a history of rhinitis (chronic nasal stuffiness) with little to no relief from allergy shots. I am unable to take antihistamines such as Zyrtec as they only dry me out worse. I have to clear my throat often due to post nasal drip. I use a nasal rinse once to twice per day.
Any suggestions as to which way I should turn? I know it's only a pesky sore throat, but at this point it's affecting my quality of life and I am miserable! Should I see an ENT, Gastroenterologist, etc? My regular physician went as far as giving me an antiviral saying that HSV causes a burning tongue. I've never had a cold sore or sores in my mouth. But I took the antiviral to satisfy him with no result.
My current medications are Escitalopram (10 months) and Lamotrigine (5 months). Side effects?
Thanks for any suggestions!
AnswerI would try and pin down a diagnosis....
I would do a mono test.
Then, I would use a nasal steroid spray such as Flonase... it works slowly, so at least a month trial.
If that doesn't work, I would consider reflux disease and try a course of an acid blocker like Prilosec daily. Sometimes acid refluxes up at night and burns the throat.
