Laryngeal Cancer Common Symptoms And Treatment

Q1. I have a pain on the part of my throat that is just above the chest bone. When I press on it a little bit, it causes a good bit of discomfort. Being that I use smokeless tobacco, this is kind of worries me. The question is, should I be worried?

The area of your neck you are referring to contains the following structures: thyroid gland, larynx (voice box) and trachea (windpipe). Any condition that affects these structures can cause pain when you touch the area. For example, an enlargement or inflammation of the thyroid gland can cause pain with pressure. More common conditions, such as acid reflux, can also do this. Acid churning up from the stomach can irritate the back of the larynx, which can then be felt as a throat pain. An infection of the trachea, which could be part of an upper respiratory infection, can also cause pain. Cancers of the larynx can cause pain as well.

If you have other risk factors for cancer and the pain has persisted for more than two to three weeks, a visit to your doctor is warranted. Without a thorough head and neck exam, I’d be taking a shot in the dark as to your diagnosis.

Q2. My husband will need a stoma after his laryngectomy. We’re anxious about the impact that will have on our lives and his ability to enjoy things like going out for dinner, exercise, etc. Is it hard to take care of? Does it limit your life very much?

Laryngectomy is a surgery where the entire voice box (larynx) is removed for advanced cancer. After the reconstruction, the esophagus is still attached to the mouth, so swallowing is unchanged. But the windpipe (trachea) is now brought out through the middle of the neck just above the collar bone and this opening is called a stoma. A very, very rough analogy is a blowhole seen in dolphins. So while you swallow the same, patients with a stoma now breathe directly into the lungs, bypassing the mouth and nose.

Taking care of the stoma is relatively minor after healing is complete. In general, speech, dust, water, and sense of smell are all long-term issues with this surgery.

As you breathe, your nose and mouth warm, humidify and filter the air. So the lack of relative humidity can cause crusting around the opening of the stoma. This needs to be regularly cleaned out. Most patients wear a small ascot that conceals the stoma and filters out dust. Since the stoma is open all the time, in addition to keeping dust and other particulate matter out, showering can require an adjustment in order to keep the water out. Though there are some devices that allow patients to swim and even snorkel, patients with stomas must think twice before boating or other activities where they can fall into the water as this poses a very serious risk.

Your sense of smell and taste are diminished due to the lack of air flowing through your nose and mouth, so smoke detectors and devices that detect natural gas are needed. You will also not be able to blow your nose.

I find most patients adjust very well to life after laryngectomy, especially after speech rehabilitation. Several excellent support groups exist for laryngectomy patients, including WebWhispers and local chapters of the Chatterbox laryngectomy support groups. Several other resources for patients and families are listed in the link below.

Q3. I’ve had mild throat discomfort for several months — not really a sore throat but more like swollen glands. I am a smoker, and my father died a year ago from esophageal cancer. I’m scared that I might have cancer. What symptoms should I look out for? When should I see a doctor?

Some signs of head and neck cancer include persistent cough, difficulty or pain with swallowing, persistent hoarseness or changes in voice, coughing up blood (hemoptysis), ulcers or sores that won’t heal, and lumps in the neck. Additional risk factors include a history of smoking and drinking, and in some cases, a family history of head and neck cancer.

These are some things to look for, but by no means does it mean you have cancer if you have any of these symptoms or findings. As a general rule of thumb, symptoms like those you describe should be addressed with your physician if they have persisted for several months. Since you are a smoker and have a family history, a thorough head and neck examination is in your best interest.

Q4. With cancer of the larynx, what determines whether or not you have to have your voice box removed? Should I start learning sign language?

The treatment for cancer of the larynx can include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or combinations of all three treatments. Surgery can involve removing a part or all of the voice box (larynx). The amount of surgery needed will depend on the site and stage of the cancer. For example, small cancers of the vocal cords can be treated surgically by removing the vocal cords without removing the entire voice box. Alternatively, radiation therapy can be used to treat these cancers without surgery.

However, advanced cancers of the larynx will often require all three treatment options and can often require the removal of the voice box (an operation called a laryngectomy) followed by postoperative radiation and chemotherapy.

Accurate staging of the cancer will require imaging (CT scan or MRI) and an evaluation of the larynx by the surgeon under general anesthesia. In this way, the size, location and extent of involvement of the voice box can be assessed.

If a laryngectomy is recommended, there are many ways to rehabilitate speech. These include various prostheses that allow the development of an esophageal speech that, with practice, is almost 100 percent intelligible by most people. I would discuss these options with your doctor.

Both the American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute have excellent information about what to expect after laryngectomy, and there are many local support groups for laryngectomy patients.

Q5. My husband has throat cancer. He’s a nonsmoker. He tested positive for HPV-16. Should I be tested for HPV? Do I need to worry about getting cancer too? Thanks.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) has been linked to cervical cancer and some types of oral cancers. HPV-16 is one of several subtypes of the virus that has a link to oral cancer. But many people harbor HPV in their mouths and not everyone develops oral cancer.

Currently, only about 25 percent to 50 percent of oral cancers are associated with HPV-16, and the risk of having HPV-16 and developing oral cancer is not clear. So it is difficult to make definitive recommendations. If you feel you are at risk, I would start with a thorough head and neck exam by a specialist. Any warts or growths in the mouth should be biopsied. Your doctor may also test for the presence of HPV subtypes.

Beyond that, I would discuss your concerns with your doctor and to come up with a plan for cancer surveillance that you feel comfortable with.

Q6. My doctor said we could try targeted therapy for my throat cancer. I don’t understand what that means. She said it wasn’t the same thing as traditional chemotherapy.

In general, targeted therapy refers to a class of drugs that “target” a specific biologic pathway or a specific chemical, protein or cell important in the growth of cancer cells. One of these, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an important regulator of cancer cell growth and is found on the surface of many head and neck cancer cells. Targeted therapies such as cetuximab (Erbitux) can bind to these receptors and disrupt the cellular pathways that control cell growth.

Other drugs in this class can target molecules associated with EGFR that disrupt the communication between these receptors and the nucleus of the cell.

In simpler terms, if chemotherapyis a “dumb bomb” that kills both normal cells and cancer cells, targeted therapies are “smart bombs” that kill only cancer cells. Currently, targeted therapies for oral, head and neck cancer are used in conjunction with more conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiationtherapy and are not approved as stand-alone therapy.

Q7. I was treated for stage II laryngeal cancer nearly six years ago and haven’t had a relapse. Does that mean I’m cured? If not, what are my chances that the cancer will come back?

First of all, congratulations. Living through cancer treatment is truly an accomplishment, and I continue to be amazed at the resilience of my own patients who have persevered and have come out the other side — a little battered, perhaps — but cancer survivors.

For most head and neck cancers, the first 12 months from the time you complete treatment is the most critical time, as most recurrences will occur during this period. Every year after the first year, your chance of recurrence goes down. After five years, many people will consider a patient “cured” because the odds of a recurrence at that point are so low.

Having said all of this, if you have survived an advanced cancer, constant vigilance and follow-up are still warranted. Cancer can be a lifelong health issue for many patients. Depending on the type of cancer, recurrences can occur many years after initial treatment. Careful follow-up helps you and your doctor catch any recurrence early, and early detection is the key to long-term survival. So, keep up with your follow-up. If you are a former smoker, it is never safe to go back to smoking. Eat sensibly and well, and take care of your body with regular exercise. You may have to live with cancer, but you can choose to live well.

Q8. My husband was diagnosed with larynx cancer (stage IV) this spring. He has had two sessions of chemotherapy (carboplatin), both of which have been horrific. He is almost incoherent, and the fatigue is incredible. I don’t know if he can take a third session. If you reduce the amount of chemotherapy to reduce side effects, do you still get the same benefit? Or are you just stuck with a certain amount if you want to get better?

For some advanced laryngeal cancers, induction chemotherapy is used to shrink the tumor volume as to make it more amenable for surgery, or as a pretreatment for definitive chemo-radiation therapy. Due to the higher doses of chemotherapy needed in induction therapy, the side effects can be very pronounced. Unfortunately, these doses are also very important in killing the cancer. So in a very real way, there is a race between how much it takes to kill the cancer and how much your body can tolerate.

If your husband has had two sessions of induction chemotherapy, and he is having significant problems, it may be time to re-evaluate the treatment plan. If there has been a significant response to the chemotherapy, surgery may now be an option. Alternatively, he may now be ready for definitive chemo-radiation. I would discuss these issues with your cancer treatment team.

Q9. My oncologist told me about a new kind of chemotherapy called cetuximab for pharyngeal cancer. She said it has fewer side effects. Can I try it, or is it still considered experimental?

Cetuximab is the generic name for the brand-name medication Erbitux, which is a monoclonal antibody that attaches itself to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) located on the surface of some cells. This is an important pathway in the growth of some cancer cells, including the most common type of head and neck cancer.

Cetuximab is in a class of drugs best thought of as “targeted therapy.” Unlike more traditional chemotherapies that act broadly on many cell types, drugs like cetuximab target specific molecular pathways involved in cancer cell growth. These targeted therapies represent a potential future direction in the treatment of head and neck cancer and are usually given in conjunction with more traditional therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy. Their efficacy as stand-alone therapy is not proven. Cetuximab is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in combination with radiation therapy for the treatment of locally or regionally advanced squamous cell cancer of the head and neck. It is also approved for the treatment of recurrent or metastatic squamous cell cancer of the head and neck that has progressed after chemotherapy with platinum-based drugs.

Cetuximab is given intravenously. Other drugs in this class are available in a pill form, an additional benefit.

Studies have shown that cetuximab has its greatest benefits in cancers expressing high levels of EGFR, and your doctor may recommend that your cancer be tested for EGFR levels. Some side effects of this drug include a very severe skin rash and/or acne, because skin has high levels of EGFR.

Cetuximab has moved from clinical trials into more mainstream treatment plans, and although I would not consider it experimental, it is not a “magic bullet” for cancer either. As always, I would thoroughly discuss the pros and cons of any treatment plan with your doctor before you start.

Learn more in the Everyday Health Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Center.

​Why does my thyroid hurt?

You discovered a tender, painful spot on the front of your neck, where the thyroid is located. You didn’t know the thyroid could feel painful. What might be the cause, and what can you do about it?

What is the thyroid?

The thyroid is one of the endocrine glands that helps regulate bodily functions like metabolism. It is in the middle of the lower neck, below the larynx, and wraps around the front half of the trachea.

What might cause thyroid pain?

Subacute thyroiditis can cause pain or tenderness in the thyroid. Acute thyroiditis is rare, affecting primarily middle-aged women. It is thought to be related to viral and bacterial infections, such as the flu, colds, or sinus infections. Chronic thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition where white blood cells attack thyroid cells. In addition to thyroid pain, symptoms may include tenderness, difficulty swallowing, fatigue, and fever.

In some cases, thyroid pain is caused by cancer. Symptoms can also include a lump or swelling in the neck, trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, and hoarseness. Fortunately, most thyroid lumps, or nodules, are not cancerous. In fact, they are benign in 85-90 percent of cases. Still, it’s important to get a doctor’s examination right away, especially if these lumps are painful or causing difficulty swallowing or breathing.

How is thyroid pain treated?

To treat thyroid pain, you’ll need to treat the thyroid condition. Thyroid cancers are usually very treatable and can usually be taken care of with surgery alone. In fact, this surgery is regularly done on an outpatient basis.

If you have acute thyroiditis, it can be treated with antibiotics and/or anti-inflammatory medicine, CEENTA ENT doctor Michael Sicard, MD, said. Surgery is sometimes required to remove the infected part of the thyroid, too. Chronic thyroiditis will need lifelong thyroid treatments.

If you have thyroid pain, don’t hesitate to see a doctor. They’ll work to ensure your thyroid is healthy and help ease your discomfort.

This blog is for
informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult
your physician. Dr. Sicard practices in our Matthews office. Do you need to make an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat doctor? Call 704-295-3000. You can also schedule an appointment online or through myCEENTAchart.

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Thyroid Cancer: Signs, Symptoms, and Complications

Thyroid cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women in the United States, and according to the National Cancer Institute, there will be a total of roughly 52,000 new cases of thyroid cancer occurring in women and men in 2019.

Thyroid cancer most commonly begins as a growth (called a nodule) in the thyroid gland, which is located in the lower, front part of your neck. Usually, the nodule does not cause any symptoms; although if large enough, the thyroid nodule may cause pain or difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Illustration by Verywell

Frequent Symptoms

Many people with thyroid cancer do not have symptoms. Instead, these cancers are discovered incidentally by a primary care or family doctor during a routine neck examination or by an imaging test performed for other purposes (for example, a CT scan of the neck or a carotid ultrasound).

If symptoms are present, the most common one is the presence of a new thyroid growth or swelling, called a thyroid nodule. While a fine-needle aspiration biopsy is often used to determine if a thyroid nodule is malignant (cancerous) or benign (noncancerous), certain symptoms and signs may increase the doctor’s suspicion that the nodule is malignant.

These symptoms and signs include:

• The rapid growth of the nodule within a short period of time
• Nodule that feels “stuck” or tightly attached to the surrounding tissue
• Presence of lymph node swelling in the neck on the same side as the nodule

Rare Symptoms

Besides the presence of a thyroid nodule, other potential symptoms of thyroid cancer (although these are not common) include:

• Pain in the front of the neck (where the thyroid gland is located) that may “move” or radiate up to the jaw or ears
• A persistent “tickle in the throat”
• Problems swallowing if the thyroid nodule gets too large and presses on your esophagus (the tube that connects your throat to your stomach)
• Problems breathing if the nodule gets too large and presses on your windpipe
• A persistent cough without other cold symptoms
• Hoarseness, if the cancer invades into the nerve the controls the vocal cords

It’s important to mention that with medullary thyroid cancer, which accounts for only 1 percent to 2 percent of all thyroid cancers, a person may experience symptoms like diarrhea, itching, and flushing (if the cancer has spread throughout the body).

These symptoms occur as a result of the production of calcitonin, which is a hormone made by thyroid “C” cells. Medullary thyroid cancer originates from these “C” cells, unlike the other types of thyroid cancer which originate from thyroid follicular cells (the cells that make thyroid hormone).

Complications

Thyroid cancer that spreads (called metastasis) outside of the neck is not typical, but it does happen if the tumor is not detected and treated early.

Moreover, it’s worth mentioning that metastasis is most likely to occur with anaplastic thyroid cancer, which is a very rare, but aggressive type of thyroid cancer, accounting for less than 1 percent of all cases. Symptoms of anaplastic thyroid cancer include a rapidly growing neck lump that is large and firm, as well as hoarseness, problems swallowing and problems breathing.

Lung and Bone Metastasis

If there is any distant spread with thyroid cancer, the most common organs are the lungs and bones.  Lung metastasis may cause a variety of symptoms like trouble breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain, or cough, whereas bone metastasis may cause bony pain, fractures, and spinal cord compression.

Brain Metastasis

Even rarer, thyroid cancer may spread to the brain. Experts guess this occurs in 0.1 to 5 percent of all cases of papillary thyroid cancer (the most common type of thyroid cancer).

Symptoms of brain metastasis vary according to where in the brain the metastatic lesion(s) is present. For example, in one case study in Head and Neck Oncology, a 75-year old woman developed gradual dizziness, headache, and vomiting and was found to have metastatic thyroid cancer to an area of her brain called the cerebellum (a region of the brain that helps control movement and coordination).

When to See a Doctor

If you feel a new swelling or lump in your neck, or if an imaging test incidentally reveals a thyroid growth, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your doctor right away.

During your appointment, your doctor will perform a physical examination, including a neck examination, order an ultrasound of your thyroid, and check blood tests for other types of thyroid diseases. These blood tests may include a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (T4), and thyroid antibodies.

Depending on the results of these tests (for example, if a thyroid nodule is found), your primary care or family doctor may refer you a doctor who specializes in thyroid care (called an endocrinologist). An endocrinologist may take another look at the thyroid nodule with an ultrasound in his or her office and perform a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy to see whether cancer cells are present.

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Keep in mind, the incidence of thyroid cancer has been on the rise both in the United States and worldwide, due in large part to the sophistication of high-resolution imaging tests. In other words, these thyroid nodules that would never have been found years ago are now being identified.

Regardless, while the majority of these small nodules end up not being cancer, determining which ones are is key—this is because most thyroid cancers are curable, especially those that are small and have not spread.

On a final note, if you have a family history of medullary thyroid cancer, be sure to talk to your doctor. Through a genetic counselor, you can undergo genetic testing to see if you carry the gene mutations connected to medullary thyroid cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can thyroid cancer make you feel like something in stuck in your throat?

Yes, a thyroid nodule can cause a feeling like something in stuck in your throat, such as a piece of food.

How common is thyroid cancer?

The American Cancer Society estimates that 44,280 new cases of thyroid cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2021. This makes it the thirteenth most common cancer.

Who is most likely to get thyroid cancer?

Women are more likely to get thyroid cancer than men. People with low iodine levels and radiation exposure are also more likely get thyroid cancer. There are also several gene mutations that can contribute to developing thyroid cancer.

Epiglottitis – NHS

Epiglottitis is inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis. It’s often caused by an infection, but can also sometimes happen as a result of a throat injury.

The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that sits beneath the tongue at the back of the throat.

Its main function is to close over the windpipe (trachea) while you’re eating to prevent food entering your airway.

Symptoms of epiglottitis

The symptoms of epiglottitis usually develop quickly and get rapidly worse, although they can develop over a few days in older children and adults.

Symptoms include:

• a severe sore throat
• difficulty and pain when swallowing
• difficulty breathing, which may improve when leaning forwards
• breathing that sounds abnormal and high-pitched (stridor)
• a high temperature (fever) of 38C or above
• irritability and restlessness
• muffled or hoarse voice
• drooling

The main symptoms of epiglottitis in young children are breathing difficulties, stridor and a hoarse voice.

In adults and older children, swallowing difficulties and drooling are the main symptoms.

Important:
Coronavirus (COVID-19)

At the moment it can be hard to know what to do if your child is unwell. 

It’s important to trust your instincts and get medical help if you need it.

When to seek medical advice

Epiglottitis is regarded as a medical emergency, as a swollen epiglottis can restrict the oxygen supply to your lungs.

Call 999 for an ambulance if you think you or your child has epiglottitis.

While waiting for an ambulance, you should not attempt to examine your child’s throat, place anything inside their mouth, or lay them on their back. This may make their symptoms worse.

It’s important to keep them calm and to try not to cause panic or distress.

Epiglottitis can be fatal if the throat becomes completely blocked. But most people make a full recovery with appropriate treatment.

Treating epiglottitis

Epiglottitis is treated in hospital. The first thing the medical team will do is secure the person’s airways to make sure they can breathe properly.

Securing the airways

An oxygen mask will be given to deliver highly concentrated oxygen to the person’s lungs.

If this does not work, a tube will be placed in the person’s mouth and pushed past their epiglottis into the windpipe. The tube will be connected to an oxygen supply.

In severe cases where there’s an urgent need to secure the airways, a small cut may be made in the neck at the front of the windpipe so a tube can be inserted. The tube is then connected to an oxygen supply.

This procedure is called a tracheostomy and it allows oxygen to enter the lungs while bypassing the epiglottis.

An emergency tracheostomy can be carried out using local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic.

Once the airways have been secured and the person is able to breathe unrestricted, a more comfortable and convenient way of assisting breathing may be found.

This is usually achieved by threading a tube through the nose and into the windpipe.

Fluids will be supplied through a drip into a vein until the person is able to swallow.

Once this has been achieved and the situation is thought to be safe, some tests may be carried out, such as:

• a fibreoptic laryngoscopy – a flexible tube with a camera attached to one end (laryngoscope) is used to examine the throat
• a throat swab – to test for any bacteria or viruses
• blood tests – to check the number of white blood cells (a high number indicates there may an infection) and identify any traces of bacteria or viruses in the blood
• an X-ray or a CT scan – sometimes used to check the level of swelling

Any underlying infection will be treated with a course of antibiotics.

With prompt treatment, most people recover from epiglottitis after about a week and are well enough to leave hospital after 5 to 7 days.

Why it happens

Epiglottitis is usually caused by an infection with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria.

As well as epiglottitis, Hib can cause a number of serious infections, such as pneumonia and meningitis.

It spreads in the same way as the cold or flu virus. The bacteria are in the tiny droplets of saliva and mucus propelled into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

You catch the infection by breathing in these droplets or, if the droplets have landed on a surface or object, by touching this surface and then touching your face or mouth.

Less common causes of epiglottitis include:

• other bacterial infections – such as streptococcus pneumoniae (a common cause of pneumonia)
• fungal infections – people with a weakened immune system are most at risk from these types of infection
• viral infections – such as the varicella zoster virus (the virus responsible for chickenpox) and the herpes simplex virus (the virus responsible for cold sores)
• trauma to the throat – such as a blow to the throat, or burning the throat by drinking very hot liquids
• smoking – particularly illegal drugs, such as cannabis or crack cocaine

Hib vaccination

The most effective way to prevent your child getting epiglottitis is to make sure their vaccinations are up-to-date.

Children are particularly vulnerable to a Hib infection because they have an underdeveloped immune system.

Babies should be vaccinated against Hib as part of the 6-in-1 DTaP/IPV/Hib vaccine, which also protects against diphtheria, hepatitis B, tetanus, whooping cough and polio.

They should receive 3 doses of the vaccine: at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks of age. This is followed by an additional Hib/Men C “booster” vaccine at 1 year of age.

Contact your GP if you’re not sure whether your child’s vaccinations are up-to-date.

Read more about the childhood vaccination schedule.

Who’s affected

Because of the success of the Hib vaccination programme, epiglottitis is rare in the UK, and most cases now occur in adults.

Deaths from epiglottitis are also rare, occurring in less than 1 in 100 cases.

Page last reviewed: 02 May 2018
Next review due: 02 May 2021

Pharyngitis – sore throat Information | Mount Sinai

Flores AR, Caserta MT. Pharyngitis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 59.

Harris AM, Hicks LA, Qaseem A; High Value Care Task Force of the American College of Physicians and for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Appropriate antibiotic use for acute respiratory tract infection in adults: advice for high-value care from the American College of Physicians and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ann Intern Med. 2016;164(6):425-434. PMID: 26785402 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26785402.

Shulman ST, Bisno AL, Clegg HW, et al. Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis: 2012 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis. 2012;55(10):e86-e102. PMID: 22965026 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22965026.

Tanz RR. Acute pharyngitis. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 409.

van Driel ML, De Sutter AI, Habraken H, Thorning S, Christiaens T. Different antibiotic treatments for group A streptococcal pharyngitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;9:CD004406. PMID: 27614728 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27614728.

Last reviewed on: 7/11/2019

Reviewed by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

A Link Between Sore Throats & Neck Pain

Did you know there’s a link between sore throats and neck pain? It’s common to experience both neck pain and a sore throat when you’re feeling sick, and these symptoms can range from mild and manageable, to very severe and painful. Since the neck and throat are close together, any illness or injury that affects one will likely have an effect on the other as well.

Infection

One of the most common causes of a sore throat and neck pain is a bacterial or viral infection. This could be in the tonsils, the esophagus, or the trachea, and an infection will contribute to painful swelling in the neck and throat. The most common infections are a cold or flu, tonsillitis, strep throat, and mononucleosis.

When you have an infection, the body triggers its natural immune response, signaling to the lymph nodes to produce more white blood cells to fight the infection. The lymph nodes will also filter and collect harmful particles.

All this heightened activity and blood flow leads to swollen lymph nodes. The swelling places added pressure on the throat, and can cause neck pain. Once the infection has cleared, either on its own, or by taking antibiotics, the sore throat and neck pain will disappear, and the lymph nodes will return to normal.

Allergies

Allergies are a common cause of both sore throats and neck pain. Airborne allergens, such as pollen, pet dander, or mold, as well as food allergens, can cause a sore throat and severe neck pain. Allergies cause a dry, itchy throat and neck pain, as well as:

• A stuffy nose
• Sneezing or a runny nose
• Watery or itchy eyes
• Tingling in the mouth or throat
• Swelling in the lips
• hives
• Coughing
• Dizziness
• Nausea 
• Excessive fatigue

Symptoms will persist as long as the allergen is in the air, or you continue to eat the allergen, and only when the allergen is removed will the sore throat and neck pain disappear.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Another cause of a sore throat and neck pain is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or acid reflux. When food particles, fluids, or stomach acids travel up to the throat, it can cause both a sore throat and neck pain. Other GERD symptoms include:

• Heartburn
• The sensation of having a painful lump in your throat
• Difficulty swallowing 
• A horse voice when you try to speak
• A dry cough

Treatment options for GERD include modifying your diet to include more lean meats, vegetables, and fruits. Acid reflux can also be controlled through weight loss, and avoiding eating just before bed. Other treatments include medication.

Tumors

Did you know that a tumor could cause a sore throat and neck pain? In fact, an ongoing sore throat is one of the symptoms of a cancer of the neck or head. Other symptoms of a tumor are:

• A sinus infection
• Headaches 
• Swelling in the jaw
• Experiencing pain when swallowing
• Having a lump on the head or neck
• A numbness in the muscles of the face or neck

Tumors are very rare, and if you have a sore throat or neck pain, you most likely don’t have cancer. In fact, the annual diagnosis of head and neck cancers is only around 53,000 people, according to the National Cancer Institute. If you do have a tumor, surgery is the best treatment option to remove the tumor and relieve your symptoms.

When to Visit An ENT

If you have a sore throat and neck pain, you’re likely suffering from a common cold, and after a few days you’ll feel better. You should visit your doctor or ENT if your symptoms are very severe, or persist for more than a few days. If your throat or neck are very sore and painful, and home remedies don’t bring any relief, you should seek medical help.

The ENT will perform a physical exam to check for swelling, lumps, redness, or fever. They’ll also ask if you have trouble swallowing, have severe headaches, or experience any numbness in the face or limbs. They may also order blood work or follow up tests to verify the cause of your symptoms before suggesting a treatment option.

If you have a sore throat and neck pain, rest as much as possible, drink lots of fluids, and take over-the-counter medications. Your symptoms should clear in just a few days.

Laryngeal Cancer | Johns Hopkins Medicine

The larynx, commonly called the voice box, is a cartilage encased organ with three critical functions:

• The production of sound
• Maintaining an open breathing passage
• Closing the airway during swallowing to prevent aspiration.

Treatment of disorders of the larynx including cancer must take these functions into account.

Larynx Anatomy

The larynx is divided into three anatomical regions or levels:

• Supraglottis: Tissues above the sound producing structures
• Glottis: The sound producing vocal cords
• Subglottis: The area below the vocal cords but above the windpipe or trachea.

Symptoms and treatment of laryngeal cancer depends to some degree on the region(s) involved.

What is Laryngeal Cancer?

Most cancers that arises in the larynx begin on the mucosal surface and are called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Much less common forms of laryngeal cancers are salivary gland cancers which arise from the tiny salivary glands below the mucosa, or cancers arising from muscle, cartilage or other structural tissues (sarcomas). SCC of the larynx is associated with smoking, although the contribution of secondhand smoke and the effect of past smoking are less certain. Some cases of laryngeal cancer arise without known risk factors.

What are symptoms of laryngeal cancer?

Early laryngeal cancer may not have any symptoms at all. Small growths of the vocal cords may produce hoarseness or coughing, making glottic cancer more likely to be diagnosed early. Early cancer of the supraglottis (above the vocal cords) may cause pain, perhaps made worse with swallowing, and the pain may feel like it involves the ear, a phenomenon known as referred ear pain.

Moderate to advanced laryngeal cancer may cause:

• Difficulty or painful swallowing
• Difficulty breathing
• Noisy breathing
• Severe hoarseness
• Coughing of blood (hemoptysis)
• Mass or growth in the neck

How is laryngeal cancer diagnosed?

The larynx cannot be seen by health care providers without special equipment. The larynx can be seen using a laryngeal mirror, or a fiberoptic telescope with a video camera. Cancer typically causes changes in the appearance of the mucosal lining or the symmetrical structures of the larynx that can be seen with these devices. It also may be detected using radiographic imaging including MRI, CT scan or ultrasound.

When a suspicious larynx lesion is detected additional testing to confirm the diagnosis is performed by obtaining a biopsy, taking a small sample of the tissue. Because of the sensitivity of the larynx this must be done under general anesthesia in an operating room in most cases. At the same time, the surgeon can gather important information about the extent of the tumor by more thorough visualization and directly touching the tissues. A PET/CT scan or other imaging study may be done to assess the status of lymph nodes and possible spread.

How is laryngeal cancer treated?

Laryngeal cancer treatment is determined by the:

• Type of cancer
• Extent or stage of the tumor
• Precise portions of the larynx involved with tumor.

There are three types of treatment available for most cancers including laryngeal cancer:

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy

Early Laryngeal Cancer

Early cancers (smaller tumors with minimal involvement of the larynx) may be treated successfully with just one of these types of treatment; more advanced cancers may require combined therapy using two or all three types of treatment.

Selected early cancers of the vocal cords (glottis) and supraglottis (above the vocal cords) may be removed through the mouth using minimally invasive surgery such as a robot or with a laser. If you are not a candidate for surgery, alternative treatment is full course radiation therapy.

Advanced Laryngeal Cancer

Mid-sized cancers are often treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Very extensive cancers that have already grown beyond the cartilage walls of the voice box or have caused destruction of laryngeal function are treated with surgery followed by radiation therapy.

Types of Surgery to Remove Laryngeal Cancers

Head and neck surgeons use a range of surgical procedures to treat selected laryngeal cancer including approaches that preserve the three functions of the larynx. For the most extensive cases, surgery must remove the entire larynx (total laryngectomy), a procedure that separates the breathing and swallowing passages allowing safe secure breathing and resumption of a normal diet, but with a permanent breathing opening in the neck. Patients who undergo total laryngectomy can resume speech using one of several approaches such as voice prosthesis or electrolarynx.

Diseases | Alpha – Health Center in Kirov

The concept of vegetative vascular dystonia (VVD) includes a whole range of symptoms. The patient’s complaints are not definite, it is difficult to say in which system the violation occurred and which disease causes certain manifestations. If we evaluate the symptomatology in a complex way, then it is not characteristic of any other pathology.

Most modern doctors agree that VSD does not exist – it is a pseudo-diagnosis that requires a more careful and thorough examination of the patient.It is important to establish and eliminate the underlying disease, then the symptoms of vascular dystonia will gradually disappear.

What is the autonomic nervous system (ANS)

The vegetative, or autonomic nervous system (NS) in the human body is responsible for the work of the endocrine glands, organs, lymphatic and circulatory systems. Stable work of the ANS is a constant homeostasis, the ability of a person to adapt to changes in the environment.

The autonomic nervous system consists of two divisions with opposite functions:

• Sympathetic NS.The department is responsible for increasing the strength and intensity of heart contractions, for narrowing the blood vessels, for inhibiting the motility of the gastrointestinal tract, for inhibiting the digestive and salivary glands, for enhancing ventilation of the lungs, for relaxing the sphincters of the bladder.
• Parasympathetic NS. Excitation in this part of the nervous system leads to bradycardia, excessive release of enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract, spontaneous compression of the sphincter of the bladder, shortness of breath, constriction of the pupils, increased salivation.Parasympathetic NS practically does not affect the state of blood vessels, with the exception of the expansion of the coronary, pulmonary arteries, arteries of the brain and genitals.

In a healthy person, both parts of the nervous system balance each other. The body adapts adequately to changes in its own state and in the environment. In case of violation of the consistency between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, vegetative-vascular dystonia develops.

Types of VSD

There is no generally accepted classification of the disease. Depending on the prevalence of the symptomatic complex, three forms of vegetative-vascular dystonia are distinguished:

• Local. Complaints are single, violations are poorly expressed.
• System. The disorder affects only one organ system.
• Generalized. The patient has many complaints of different nature, dysfunction of several systems and organs is observed.

According to the severity of symptoms, VSD is mild, moderate and severe.

By the nature of the course, there are permanent (constant), latent (latent) and paroxysmal (paroxysmal) vegetative-vascular dystonia.

Due to the development of the disorder, the pathology is primary, due to the anatomy and physique of the patient, and secondary, caused by the disease.

According to the level of blood pressure, the VSD of the hypotonic, hypertensive and mixed type are distinguished.

Symptoms of the disease

Several years ago, doctors diagnosed a patient with VSD if they did not find any pronounced pathology and could not determine a more accurate diagnosis. Now medicine knows that vegetative-vascular dystonia can hide dozens of diseases. The list of possible symptoms is very wide.

Most often, patients complain of the following types of disorders:

• From the side of the cardiovascular system: heart rhythm disturbances, feeling of squeezing or chest pain, increased or decreased blood pressure, sweating, cold palms.Patients report sudden hot flashes or cold, conditions close to fainting.
• From the respiratory system: a feeling of lack of air, a lump in the throat. A person cannot breathe deeply.
• From the nervous system: headaches, insomnia, involuntary twitching of the arms and legs, dizziness in a stuffy room. If a person sits or lies for a long time, then with a sharp rise, it may darken in the eyes.
• From the gastrointestinal tract: nausea, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain for no apparent reason. Particularly susceptible patients may develop vomiting and anorexia against the background of panic.
• From the genitourinary system: erectile dysfunction, urinary disorders. In men, vegetative-vascular dystonia may be accompanied by an enlargement of the prostate. In this case, the infectious agent is not detected.In women, problems in the autonomic nervous system provoke a malfunction of the menstrual cycle.
• On the part of the emotional state: almost every patient with VSD has mental disorders. A person is constantly tense, agitated, not restrained, or, conversely, becomes lethargic and apathetic. Chronic sleep deprivation can create fears, trigger panic attacks, and impair memory and attention. Adults men and women often come to the doctor’s office with severe emotional exhaustion.In most cases, psychological instability is not a sign of illness and is easily corrected by working with specialists.

Despite the fact that the diagnosis of VSD is not in the ICD, the complex of disorders itself is quite common. According to medical statistics, about 80% of the world’s population has experienced symptoms of vascular dystonia at least once. The disorder occurs not only in adults, but also in adolescents and young people aged 20-30 years.

Diagnosis of vegetative-vascular dystonia

Depending on the predominance of certain symptoms, it is necessary to be examined by a cardiologist, neurologist, therapist or endocrinologist. Consultations of several narrow specialists are often required. Diagnostics is carried out in a comprehensive manner.

The patient may be prescribed:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to exclude cardiac pathologies.
• Electroencephalogram (EEG) to assess the work of various areas of the brain.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a specific area or part of the body for a detailed study of internal tissues and structures.
• Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of organs, vessels.
• General and biochemical blood and urine tests.

Based on the results of the examination, the doctor determines the further tactics of working with the patient. For example, if problems with the gastrointestinal tract are detected, endoscopy or probing may be required.If oncology is suspected, a biopsy is performed, etc.

The main difficulty in diagnosing VSD is a late visit to a doctor. Patients ignore the first symptoms of the disease or try to cope with them on their own. Over time, the manifestations intensify, complications develop. The earlier the patient comes for diagnosis, the faster and easier the treatment is. Do not delay a visit to the doctor.

Treatment of VSD

Drug treatment

Drug therapy is selected taking into account the patient’s specific complaints and the results of his examination.The doctor may prescribe drugs:

• increasing or decreasing pressure;
• normalizing heart rate;
• relieve headache and insomnia;
• promoting active digestion, etc.

Treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia in women may include taking hormonal drugs, if the reason for feeling unwell is an imbalance in the body, irregularities in the cycle.

Psychotherapy

Stabilization of the patient’s psycho-emotional background plays an important role in the treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia. The doctor prescribes complex therapy for the underlying disease and may refer the patient to a clinical psychologist’s consultation. If VSD manifests itself in a mild form, dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system can be eliminated by simple lifestyle changes. The patient is advised to avoid stress, walk more, get enough sleep. If necessary, mild herbal sedatives are prescribed.

Physiotherapy

The course of procedures helps to restore the tone of blood vessels, normalize metabolism, relieve inflammation and reduce pain. The frequency and duration of the sessions are selected individually.

For the treatment of VSD use:

• laser therapy;
• magnetic therapy;
• inductometry with darsonvalization;
• electrophoresis with electrosleep.

Massage with acupuncture gives a positive effect. During the session, the patient relaxes, the feeling of anxiety disappears, stress recedes. Acupuncture should be performed by an experienced reflexologist. With the help of fine needles, it stimulates biologically active points on the human body. In addition to activating blood circulation, reducing muscle spasm, acupuncture promotes the production of cortisol and serotonin, hormones that directly affect the emotional state of a person.

Diet therapy

There is no special diet for the treatment of VSD. If the disease is accompanied by poor digestion or pathology of the gastrointestinal tract, the doctor will prescribe an appropriate menu. In other cases, patients are advised to adhere to the principles of proper nutrition. It is worth limiting the use of salt, smoked, fatty foods, fried foods, fast food. Do not overeat at night so that an overfull stomach does not affect sleep.Preference is given to foods rich in magnesium and calcium.

It is important to understand that vegetative-vascular dystonia is not a disease, but a symptom complex that may indicate incipient health problems. The peculiarity of the disorder is that the well-coordinated work of the doctor and the patient can significantly weaken the manifestations of pathology or get rid of it altogether.

Prevention of vegetative-vascular dystonia

The doctor will help eliminate the cause and manifestations of the disease, but only the patient himself can take care of maintaining his health.

During the period of remission, you must adhere to the basic rules:

• Walk more, move, play sports as much as possible.
• Eat fractionally and regularly in small portions.
• Include seasonal fruits, vegetables, berries in the menu.
• Give up bad habits, including drinking strong tea and coffee.
• Get an annual medical check-up.
• Treat any disease in a timely manner.
• Avoid stressful situations.

Treatment of symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia in Nizhny Novgorod

You can undergo a full examination and cure your malaise in the Alpha-Health Center clinic. We are glad to receive you at a convenient time. To make an appointment with a doctor, call us at the phone number listed on the website.

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The procedure for filing and considering electronic applications of citizens

An appeal sent to the official website of the Ministry by e-mail must contain the surname, name, patronymic of the applicant, the mailing address to which the answer should be sent, contact phone number, the essence of the appeal (hereinafter referred to as the Internet appeal).

An Internet appeal received on the official website by e-mail is printed, and further work with it is carried out in accordance with the established procedure in accordance with the Federal Law of 05/02/2006 No. 59-FZ “On the Procedure for Considering Appeals of Citizens of the Russian Federation”, the administrative regulations for the provision by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Stavropol Territory of the state service “Organization of reception of citizens, ensuring timely and full consideration of citizens’ appeals, making decisions on them and sending responses to applicants within the time period established by the legislation of the Russian Federation” (hereinafter referred to as the Administrative Regulations).A notice of acceptance of the appeal is sent to the email address specified in the appeal.

To receive an Internet request from the applicant in the form of an electronic message, specialized software is used, which provides for the applicant to fill in the details necessary for working with requests and for a written response. The e-mail address of the applicant (legal representative) and the electronic digital signature are additional information.

Grounds for refusing to consider an Internet appeal, in addition to the grounds indicated, in clause 2.9 of the Administrative Regulations are also:

• no address (postal or email) for a reply;
• receipt of a duplicate of an already received email message;
• The content of the email message is incorrect.

A response to an applicant on an Internet appeal can be sent both in writing and in the form of an electronic message.

The applicant is guaranteed not to disclose without his consent the information contained in the Internet appeal, as well as information relating to the private life of a citizen.Information about the personal data of the applicants is stored and processed in compliance with the requirements of the Russian legislation on personal data.

Internet applications are submitted to the leadership of the Ministry for consideration. The answers of the heads of the Ministry are periodically published to the most frequently asked questions. Your question asked in the Internet appeal can be published on the site in an impersonal form.

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90,000 Online medical consultations free of charge in Tyumen

Good day! For more than 1.6 years I have been worried about a pulling pain in the right buttock, in
some muscle in the area of ​​the hip joint during certain movements.For the first time
appeared at the end of December, discovered a couple of days after training, when I did
stretching – from a standing position, deep forward bends. There were no other manifestations. IN
During January, I continued to go to training, did stretching, sometimes through pain.
At the end of January, after another stretch, the pain increased when trying to get up from
sitting position, the pain began to spread along the back of the thigh almost to
knee, leg almost cramped from pain.Difficulty getting up from a sitting position
bend the body down, lift the straightened leg up, also painfully put
sore leg to leg, squat deeply. It even became painful to sit on
right buttock and it hurts especially when sitting to sneeze. I put off all physical activity and
went to the doctor. I was sent to a neurologist, they suggested that this is a syndrome
piriformis muscle, prescribed manual therapy, massage, acupuncture, this is not
helped.Then they prescribed to drink muscle relaxants. But that also had no effect.
Then they prescribed to drink anti-inflammatory drugs for 2 weeks – I can say that
they eased the general condition, mobility improved and the pain stopped
spread down the thigh, but after stopping them, everything returned. Me
They have been treating for 2.5 months, but there is no result. Chiropractor and neurologist advised
do pear-shaped stretching exercises, but the exercise made it worse, again
it became difficult to get up from a sitting position and it began to hurt at another point – higher and
to the left, to the right of the tailbone, it feels like this muscle runs diagonally from
coccyx to the hip joint.Also began to pull on the back of the thigh to
knee and there was a feeling of tension in the calf muscle. On palpation of this
the area in the buttock in the area of ​​the hip joint is deeply felt somewhere
soreness. Greatest stiffness in the morning after sleep. Did ultrasound of soft tissues,
gluteus maximus and thigh muscles ok, but piriformis failed
look, also not sure about the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus.Yesterday at the next
admission, another neurologist performed pear-shaped tests, one of the tests was adduction
hips inward in a prone position with a leg bent at the knee – it didn’t hurt,
I was told that this means it is not a spasm of the piriformis muscle. What could it be? Already
I don’t know who to turn to and what to do. It could be a piriform distension or
some other muscle or any ligaments? Or myositis, tendonitis, bursitis? One of
neurologists suggested that it might be tension in the psoas square muscle,
and the pain is reflected in the buttock and below the leg, i.e.because all painful movements
creates tension or stretching of the muscles in the lower back. I would be very grateful for any
help!

90,000 Why does the chest hurt – possible causes

Location of organs at chest level

If the chest hurts in the middle, then this indicates possible problems with such internal organs:

1. Heart and nearby vessels – vena cava, aorta.
2. Trachea and bronchi.
3. Esophagus.
4. Nerves, ligaments, muscles.
5. Lymph nodes.

Nearby are the vital organs of the abdominal cavity, thymus, chest wall. Often the pain is reflected and indicates irradiation. Examples are hernias. With the development of pathology, pain often radiates to the limb. Most often, with the development of painful sensations in the chest area, problems of the cardiovascular system or intercostal neuralgia are observed.

Detailed description of signs of disease

Depending on the nature of the sensations, the following pathologies can be suspected:

1. Dull painful sensations often indicate coronary heart disease, endocarditis, cancer, gastritis, or the development of an attack of bronchial asthma.
2. Severe pain syndrome indicates the development of an attack of myocardial infarction, pleurisy or stomach ulcers.
3. Pressing sensations are characteristic of ischemic heart disease and endocarditis.
4. Stitching sensations characterize intercostal neuralgia, ischemic heart disease, pneumonia, bronchitis, or neuralgia.
5. Aching sensations are characteristic of gastritis or ischemic heart disease.
6. Severe and sharp pain indicates an attack of osteochondrosis, back problems in the thoracic region, and intercostal neuralgia.

Depending on the pain sensation, it is important to pay attention to the accompanying symptoms as well.

Diseases of the circulatory system and heart

The heart muscle is located in the middle of the chest with a slight shift to the left.With the development of painful sensations, irradiation to the scapula, shoulder, collarbone, stomach and even arm may appear. Most often, the left side of the body is affected when a radiating pain occurs.

How heart disease manifests itself:

1. Ischemic heart disease is manifested by sudden and sharp pain, aggravated by physical exertion (running, brisk walking, coughing). The reason is atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels, due to pathologically high cholesterol levels for a long period.Diagnosis of the disease is required, which consists in conducting an ECG, ECHO. When a diagnosis is made, life-long drug therapy is prescribed.
2. Myocardial infarction. A serious pathology, consisting in the blockage of a vital artery through which blood flows to the heart. As a result, the heart muscle stops working within a few minutes and death occurs. Usually a large vessel is clogged with a thrombus that has come off from an atherosclerotic plaque. The disease manifests itself with acute pain on the left.A concomitant symptom of an attack is numbness in one part of the body. Urgent medical attention is required.
3. Infective endocarditis is the result of the introduction of an infectious agent into the heart. It is a complication after suffering tonsillitis or sinusitis. Streptococci, staphylococci affect the heart muscle. The result is tachycardia, heart pain. It is necessary to conduct an ECG and ECHO to confirm the diagnosis. Therapy consists of prescribing antibiotics.
4. Pressure surges. When an attack of hypertension or hypertensive crisis occurs, in addition to discomfort in the chest, there is a severe headache, a feeling of heaviness in the body and weakness.
5. With pericarditis, severe and pressing pains may occur in the middle, but closer to the left. The disease is characterized by the accumulation of excess fluid in the pericardium due to inflammation. There is soreness and heaviness in the chest during inhalation, closer to the upper part. The main reasons are previous infections, injuries, tumors, heart attacks. Depending on the course of the pathology, discomfort may vary. Complex drug therapy is required.
6. Angina pectoris is the most common type of coronary artery disease.Distinguish between stable and unstable angina. The main cause of an attack is insufficient blood supply to the heart, which causes acute pain on the left at rest, but when moving, the discomfort increases. The disease often occurs against the background of atherosclerosis, obesity, diabetes mellitus, physical inactivity and alcoholism. An important role in the appearance of seizures is played by heredity.
7. Iron deficiency anemia is a disease of the hematopoietic organs that does not directly relate to the cardiovascular system, but negatively affects the work of the heart.The disease can be suspected by low levels of hemoglobin, ferritin and serum iron in the blood. Hemoglobin is involved in the transport of oxygen in the blood to the heart. Anemia is caused by a lack of iron and hypovitaminosis. It develops more often in women due to blood loss. The disease is dangerous because it manifests itself as signs of oxygen starvation – shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness and pain in the heart. With a prolonged lack of oxygen in the blood, not only the heart suffers, but also the brain, blood vessels, a persistent deterioration in performance is observed.Therapy consists in correcting nutrition and using vitamin and mineral complexes.
8. Pulmonary embolism. Why it occurs – due to blockage of the vessel by a blood clot or cholesterol plaque. The disease is associated with atherosclerosis and increased blood density. A high risk of blockage is also associated with an inherited factor. Various sources indicate that PE has a number of nonspecific symptoms – shortness of breath, acute pain in the middle of the chest, fainting, dizziness, weakness, tachycardia, and decreased blood pressure.When these symptoms occur, you need to urgently call a doctor. If nothing is done, the patient is more likely to die. If the patient is pulled out of a difficult situation, then a lifelong intake of anticoagulants, statins with lifestyle correction is prescribed. In the future, such drugs will help to avoid a second attack.

The symptoms of chronic or acute heart pain differ from person to person.

Why does the chest hurts in diseases of the respiratory system

In case of infectious diseases, smoking or inhalation of hazardous substances in the workplace, over time, damage to the respiratory system occurs.In the acute course, there is pain behind the sternum. Discomfort is not observed in all cases of respiratory diseases. The characteristic signs of lung damage are heaviness in the chest, and pain occurs during coughing.

Possible causes:

1. Bronchial asthma is an allergic pathology, which, in addition to discomfort in the chest area, is manifested by attacks of suffocation. It is diagnosed by performing fluorography and breathing tests. Treat the disease with corticosteroids, antihistamines, and bronchodilators.
2. Bronchitis – characterized by heaviness in the chest in the lower part. Unpleasant sensations usually occur when phlegm appears in the lungs. Symptomatic therapy is required.
3. Inflammation of the lungs is manifested not only by pain in the chest area, but also by a severe cough. There may be sputum streaked with blood. The lungs themselves do not hurt because they lack pain receptors. Painful sensations occur with complications such as pleurisy or pulmonary emphysema.Also, pneumonia is accompanied by symptoms of acute respiratory infections – cough, hyperthermia, chills, poor health.
4. Pleurisy occurs when fluid accumulates in the pleura, which is characterized by inflammation. This disease is determined after the performed fluorography.
5. Oncology of the lungs. In the early stages, the disease is asymptomatic. Over time, in addition to pain behind the sternum, there is a general deterioration in health, a dry cough appears. As the disease progresses, hemoptysis also occurs.The tumor is usually found after fluorography.

Pathology of the digestive system

With disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, unpleasant symptoms associated with pain, burning or discomfort in the lower part of the thoracic region are often observed.

Depending on the true localization of the disease, the following symptoms of irradiation into the chest may occur:

1. Spasm of the esophagus, stomach or gallbladder. In this case, aching pain sensations are observed, radiating to the back.The pain increases with palpation of the epigastric region. Treatment is symptomatic. Antispasmodics are commonly used.
2. Acute attack of pancreatitis. There are burning and sharp pains behind the sternum closer to the left side, after eating. Therapy is symptomatic, usually antispasmodics are used.
3. Esophagitis. The disease manifests itself as a set of symptoms. Heartburn, violent belching, a lump in the throat, and a burning sensation in the chest usually occur. The attack is stopped by using antacids.
4. Ulcer of the stomach and duodenum. During an exacerbation of the disease, pains that resemble heart problems are often observed. Unpleasant sensations are felt in the chest area. Distinguishing an attack of an ulcer from a heart problem is simple – it is enough to eat something and the patient will feel better. Also, an attack of stomach ulcers is observed a few hours after eating.
5. A diaphragmatic abscess is characterized by severe chest pain accompanied by cough and fever.In such a situation, it is required to call an ambulance, since the patient’s life is threatened by severe inflammation, which can cause blood poisoning.
6. Gastroesophageal reflux. It manifests itself as a strong feeling of discomfort in the chest area with bouts of nausea. Soreness is felt in the middle, as the acidic contents of the stomach are thrown to the esophagus. Neck pain from the front may occur due to severe heartburn. Therapy consists of taking medication to reduce the acidity of the stomach and following a strict diet.

To determine the exact cause of the discomfort, it is recommended to consult a physician or gastroenterologist.

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and nervous system

Most often, discomfort in the thoracic back is caused by problems with the ridge. Discomfort is observed with osteochondrosis, protrusion, trauma, muscle strain or intervertebral hernia.

How do back diseases manifest themselves:

1. Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is the most common cause of discomfort.With osteochondrosis, aching or sharp pains in the ridge region are sometimes observed. Usually, the condition does not cause discomfort until the nerve root is pinched. There is a sharp pain in the chest on the left or on the right side (depending on which side the nerve is pinched). In the acute period, conservative therapy is used with the use of NSAIDs, antispasmodics and muscle relaxants. It is useful to inject B vitamins. During the recovery period, exercise therapy and physiotherapy are prescribed.
2. A protrusion or hernia is characterized by the protrusion of the annulus fibrosus into the intervertebral region.Depending on the type of protrusion, pains are observed on the right or left side in the chest. When the nerves are pinched, there is a shooting pain in the scapula, collarbone or arm. Therapy is aimed at restoring the patient’s condition. The methods of therapy are the same as for osteochondrosis.
3. Injuries to soft or hard tissue – often caused by sports or back stabs. If there is a tear or muscle strain, then the pain is localized, on palpation or visual examination, there is swelling, redness and soreness.Irradiation is not typical of this type of damage. At first, the pain torments the patient constantly, eventually subsides at rest. For therapy, it is necessary to use NSAIDs and analgesics that remove inflammation and pain. bed rest is also indicated in severe cases.
4. Intercostal neuralgia is a disease of the peripheral nervous system. In this case, there is a pressing, sudden or shooting pain in the area of ​​the heart, shoulder blade or back. There is no clear localization of pain. A characteristic feature that distinguishes neuralgia from pain in the heart is unpleasant sensations on inhalation if the patient does not have respiratory diseases.This condition does not require special therapy, unless it is provoked by organic pathologies. Muscle relaxants and neurotropic vitamin preparations are usually prescribed.
5. Oncology. Various medical sources indicate that in rare cases, a malignant tumor may occur precisely in the region of the ridge at the level of the thoracic region. This site is not typical for neoplasms, but some cancers metastasize to this area. An example is a tumor of the stomach, lungs, or uterus. Painful symptoms in the initial stages do not bother the patient much, but as the tumor grows, they intensify.At a later stage, the discomfort becomes palpable and worries the patient around the clock. Therefore, if the pain persists for more than a few days, you need to see a doctor.

Diagnosis of the cause of discomfort

The study consists in a detailed collection of anamnesis, tests and diagnostic procedures. At the first appointment with the therapist, the patient describes in detail the nature of the pain, when the discomfort occurs, and in what place. If discomfort is felt in the region of the heart, weakness, increased pressure and increased discomfort during physical exertion are observed, the patient is referred for examination to a cardiologist.

A cardiologist can prescribe a number of procedures:

1. Electrocardiography. With the help of this device, latent tachycardia, arrhythmia, heart murmurs are determined. If pathological abnormalities in the work of the heart according to the ECG are observed, then the patient is prescribed an ECHO.
2. Echocardiography is a research method using an ultrasound machine. The cardiologist examines the work of the heart on the apparatus, looking for structural changes in the organ. With the help of ECHO, you can measure the size, consider inflammation, thickening of the walls of blood vessels.
3. Angiography of blood vessels. A simple procedure that allows you to view the walls of large arteries and veins using X-ray. Using the procedure, the presence or absence of atherosclerotic changes is reliably determined. If the cardiologist suspects such changes based on the results of ECHO, then the patient will immediately undergo angiography.

In case of complaints of chest pain accompanied by cough, hemoptysis, secretion, shortness of breath or fever, the therapist will refer the patient to a pulmonologist.This specialist can prescribe a number of the following procedures:

1. Fluorography. This is an X-ray method of examining the chest and lungs, which makes it possible to assess gross structural changes in the pulmonary cavity and heart. On the X-ray image, foci of inflammation, points of tumor lesion, thickening of the pleural film are visible. You can also suspect an infectious lesion.
2. If pneumonia is suspected, an additional study is a general blood test. If there is an increase in leukocytes against a background of elevated temperature, then the patient is diagnosed with bronchitis or pneumonia.
3. If the diagnosis cannot be clarified, then an MRI scan is prescribed. Magnetic resonance imaging allows you to examine the smallest structural changes in the affected organ with high accuracy. MRI with contrast is usually needed to examine the lung tissue.

If the patient complains of a burning sensation, stomach pain or upset gastrointestinal tract activity against the background of chest pain, then he is referred to a gastroenterologist. This specialist can prescribe both a number of narrowly focused laboratory tests and specific examinations of the gastrointestinal tract, including examination of the intestines, determination of the acidity of gastric juice, study of enzyme activity, study of the contents of feces.

General non-invasive research methods include:

1. Abdominal ultrasound.
2. MRI of internal organs.
3. Computed tomography.

When determining pain associated with problems of the musculoskeletal system, the patient is referred to a neurologist, traumatologist or orthopedist. Depending on the diagnosis, it is confirmed by x-ray, MRI, CT or ultrasound. These diagnostic methods make it possible to identify back injuries, bruises, sprains, hernia, osteochondrosis, protrusion, congenital anomalies of the spine, neoplasms.

Intercostal neuralgia is confirmed by a number of specific symptoms clearly distinguishable from cardiac disorders and back pain of a traumatic or degenerative nature. With back pain, symptomatic treatment is needed, aimed at relieving inflammation, normalizing metabolic processes and returning full-fledged motor activity. In the acute period, NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, complete rest and vitamin injections are prescribed. During the rehabilitation period, exercise therapy and physiotherapy are required.

Editorial Opinion

Chest pain occurs for many reasons. Reflected discomfort can cause heart, stomach, or musculoskeletal disease. Often, unpleasant sensations appear against the background of neurological disorders. If any suspicious signs appear, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

90,000 Endoscopic removal of foreign bodies in animals in RB

Endoscopic removal of foreign bodies

One of the most common problems faced by pet owners and veterinarians is the ingestion of various inedible and traumatic objects by pets.These are most often sticks, plastic bags, toys and their fragments, bones, needles, Christmas tree decorations, small household items and much more. The list of things that our smaller brothers can swallow is very extensive and varied, and all these items are called “foreign bodies”.

Previously, the problems caused by eating various foreign bodies were often solved by the most complex and requiring a long rehabilitation period, abdominal operations, however, modern technologies video endoscopy allow detecting and removing foreign bodies from the upper digestive tract and respiratory tract with minimal stress and traumatism for the animal.

Doberman Pinscher swallowed a fish to massage the gums. To remove a foreign body, the doctor used an endoscope with a loop

It is important to remember that a favorable outcome depends on the speed of diagnosis and immediate provision of veterinary care, therefore, at the first signs of various foreign bodies entering the digestive or respiratory organs of the animal, the owner must transport the patient to the veterinary clinic as soon as possible.

How to understand that an animal has swallowed a foreign object?

Signs that a pet has swallowed an “inedible” item are:

• Infertile vomiting;
• Painful reaction of an animal to touching the neck and submandibular space;
• Constant attempts of the animal to get its paw into the mouth;
• Refusal to eat and stool retention;
• Bloating and enlargement of the stomach;
• Profuse, unexplained salivation.

And how to understand that a foreign object could get into the respiratory tract?

Signs of inhalation of a foreign body by animals can be:

• Shortness of breath;
• Wheezing;
• Cough
• A state of shock with pronounced signs of respiratory failure.

How is the removal of foreign bodies carried out?

Extraction of various foreign bodies from the stomach cavity, esophagus and trachea is carried out through the animal’s mouth using a flexible endoscope under the control of video monitoring.The operation is carried out exclusively under general anesthesia, often connected to a ventilator. When a foreign body is detected, the endoscopist grabs it with a special manipulator, passed through the working channel of the endoscope, and gently removes it from the animal’s body under continuous video control.

Bone removed endoscopically

How does the animal tolerate this procedure?

The complexity and duration of the operation depends on the specific case and characteristics of the foreign body, as well as its localization.After the operation, the pet can go home with the owner, since it is performed without surgical damage and does not have a long recovery period. Considering that foreign bodies can injure the animal’s body, the veterinarian can prescribe a specific veterinary diet that requires the strictest implementation, as well as a certain period of observation of the animal’s condition and the necessary therapeutic treatment.

If a situation arises that your pet has swallowed a foreign object or choked on it, then you should immediately contact a clinic that has the ability to endoscopically diagnose and remove foreign objects.