Long Term Throat Pain, What It Can Be?

Hi, I am overall very healthy and sporty person, Having throat pain mainly on leff side and remain sore throat since November 2009(15months). I have visited GPs more than 25 time, Visited ENT consultant two times and had camera view in throat, And was discharged without any symptoms of cancer or ulcer. In year I had blood test 2times all came normal, including thyrod and many are normal, have also gone through barium swallow test for oesophagus test came normal too. And finally recently been to endoscopy because of I had very very sever chest pain( reflex), and some tissue were taken, again came every thing normal and don have any chest pain since endoscopy. But my throat pain remain all time, I do smoke, but when This sore throat started year ago, I have been completely away from smoking.

It does pain and remain very dry in morning, but also remain bit less sore and pain still persist all day, When I take any alcohol It goes very worse next day. To make a point, I have not lost any weight in this pathetic period of pain of more than one year. Please any one know about it or any one had same problem please let me know. I will appreciate any response.

Thanks
Rak

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
GERD is a poossibility.
Upper GI endoscopy is usually normal in patients with GERD.
24 hours pH monitoring test should be done for confirming GERD.
Meanwhile take prilosec for relief.
Quit smoking and drinking alcohol.