How do I determine the cause of chronic throat pain?

Question:

I've had a history of throat problems throughout my life - in 4 years when I was younger, I had strep 5 times. As I've aged, I have multiple occurrences of throat problems every year. My throat feels swollen, and there is a sharp pain. It's almost as if something is stuck in my throat. I've mentioned it to doctors before - I got laughed at once, and the other times they've treated each occurrence separately. Being a vocalist, I worry about things like nodules, which I know are difficult to diagnose. Anyone have any suggestions?

Answers:
First question: Do you have your tonsils? Second: Could it be epiglotitis and not strep?
There are blood test that can determine the type of strep bacteria and other bacteria growing in your body. Also, cultures are usually taken of your throat when you present with pain.
You might request a thorough physical to include CBC, Diff, and liver screen. There may be an underlying problem such as Epstein Barr Virus.
I too am a vocalist and realize that is your life. treat it as such. Go to an ENT and find out!

If a doc laughs at you, call him a S.O.B. there is no excuse for that! Tell the docs that you are a vocalist and you WANT THIS WORKED UP! I hope they've at least looked down your throat! Have you have a laryngoscopic exam? If the doctor doesn't know ask him if you can be refered to a ottolaryngologist (ENT). I would make no quams about sending the doctor that laughed a nasty note and report him to the AMA (american medical association).

First step, get rid of the doctor that laughed at you, secondly voice your concerns that you think the repetitive occurrence may be something more chronic than acute, so that it can be ruled out. If you get the questions and concerns your having articulated well then the answers should ease your mind and stop you from being concerned.

How do I determine the cause of chronic throat pain?

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