QuestionI've had what feels like a swelling on the left side of my throat for quite some time. I first noticed it after having an injury to my right side of my neck over a year ago. I started to notice that when I turned my head, it would sort of 'catch' as though something were in the way of a muscle. I was treated for the neck injury from the accident, and cleared.
I have chronic sinus congestion, and have had acid reflux disease for many years. Could this be caused from either of those, or possibly from the neck injury I had? I have no pain in my throat whatsoever, just the swollen feeling, and sinus drainage seems to get hung up on it, and it makes me cough. I"m also a smoker.
Thank you in advance.
AnswerInjuries from accidents very rarely are completely cured. Muscles, ligaments and tendons will often stay a bit enlraged or swollen. I have one in my lower back that often presses on the sciatic nerve even though the accident was 13 years ago. Since this "catches" when you turn your neck then that is probably what it is.
Sinus drainage irritates the throat and that makes you cough. It may seem to be caught up in the swelling but it does not cause it. It's just that you feel it more when you have to cough.
To keep the sinuses clear blow your nose as often as you can. Smoking can contribute to sinus congestion so try to cut it out. It can also contribute to excess stomach acid as the drug nicotine tends to activate the vagus nerve, producing more acid.
