throat discomfort

[aaron629]

for about a year with huge gaps in between, I have been experiencing some throat discomfort. It is usually triggered by cigarette smoking, which I have since stopped. It is not so much a pain but a feeling on the left side of my throat, close to my adams apple but a little lower and off to the left. I can feel the discomfort sometimes shoot up towards my ear and sometimes it radiates to my rear, lower left jaw by my molars. I also recently had sinus surgery but alot of the mucus has since returned. Lately every time the discomfort sets in I get really tired. I am 32 years old and have smoked on and off since I was about 18-19. I don't have any lumps on my throat that I can feel but the pain is beginning to concern me. Is it acid reflux, my thyroid or perhaps something worse like cancer! I am going to my doctor very soon but I am trying to limit my visits as my insurance co. is probably going to start complaining especially after a 30000 dollar procedure just a few months ago. It doesnt hurt when I swallow and the discomfort is never consistent but it has been there everyday on and off for about 3 weeks to a month. I did also notice that nasal flushes (salt and warm water snorted) seem to reduce the discomfort for a few hours. What the hell is wrong with me?

[michlisa]

Aaron
You are not alone.  Yep, we should all quit smoking and are quite embarrased by it most of the time--but even more so when we have symptoms that may be related.  My symptoms are very similar even that nasal flushes seem to help.  I also have a bitter taste in my mouth.  My doc says LPR and put me on prilosec 20 mg 2x per day.  Doesnt help much.  I have to make lifestyle changes--smoking coffee caffeine.  Good luck
ML

[claire74]

here's an idea... quit smoking