scrathy throat

Hi.On behalf of my best friend I am writing to kindly ask yr opinion. He has had a cough non productive but with a constant scratchy feeling in it. He has to clear his throat regularly as though something stuck in it. He has a slight swelling on left side of neck. He used to work with asbestos yrs ago. He drinks but no smoking. He is 59yrs old and does exercise. He had a paralysed diaphragm 5 yrs ago and had the op to staple his diaphragm. It was phrenic  nerve paralysis. I have suggested he insists his doc gets his throat swabbed as my dad had throat cancer and started similar symptoms. He is having chest xray . His mum died of oesophagus cancer. When he coughs he gets relief when food comes up and he has vomited a couple times. His doc now given him GERD tablets and she tried him on steroid puffer which either tmt has worked. What would you suggest. Many thanks

[Vivek V Gurudutt, MD]

He should be evaluated by an ent physician.  The cause of his phrenic nerve paralysis is also another component to understand.  Cough can emanate from nasal/sinus problems, gerd, vocal cord issues, as well as pulmonary issues.  Infectious problems and tumors are always something to consider.  Swallowing difficulty from esophageal problems or diverticula formation alco could be contributing to his problems.  Once evaluated, the need for further testing such as a radiological exam of the neck or sinuses can be determined and ordered.  Best wishes.

[Apol274]

A related discussion, Continuous Cough was started.