Persistent Sore Throat for 2 Years +

[jgladd21]

Hi, I realized that I had a serious gluten intolerance about 4-5 years ago when I was experiencing constant headaches, stomach issues, and problems with fatigue.  My primary care doctor quickly told me to try and cut gluten out of my diet for a couple of weeks to see if that was the issue and within 5 days I felt great! (Although sad that I had to give up all of the foods I loved of course).

Since then, I have had a strict gluten free diet and only have been accidentally exposed a handful of times.  I am writing because I have also had a persistent sore throat from more than 2 years now and I wonder if there is any correlation to my gluten allergy or if anyone else has insight into this.  I have been to countless ENTs, GI doctors, and had all of the tests done with no results.  Any information or suggestions would be greatly appreciated since it has gotten to the point where it has taken over my daily life because of the persistent pain.

Thanks for any help!

[Scott Adams]

Because you've been gluten-free for two years now, and I will assume that you've been doing a very good job with your diet, probably isn't related to celiac disease or gluten sensitivity (unless you were getting regular contamination).

So you've been to ear, nose & throat specialists, and they've found nothing? One concern, which they likely would have found if you had it, would be eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE): 

or GastroesophagealReflux Disease (GERD)

or esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (but I would assume they would have caught this or you'd likely not be here now if this were the cause) :

These searches might help:

https://www.celiac.com/search/?&q=esophageal&type=cms_records2&search_and_or=and

https://www.celiac.com/search/?&q=reflux&type=cms_records2&search_and_or=and

[jgladd21]

Hi Scott,

Thank you for your reply, and yes I have been checked for all of these things and also have changed my diet entirely to comply with the GERD diet as well as take a daily prescription (Dexilant) for control of acid reflux.  Sadly, none of this has made a difference, and I thought it was a long shot to think it may be related to my gluten intolerance but I'm at such a loss for where to turn next!  Again thank you for your reply and I will keep on searching.

Thanks

[raspberryfirecracker]

Is it the type of sore throat something like chloraseptic or a numbing cough drop would help, a sore throat like the acid burn you get at the bottom of your throat from GERD, or not an internal sore throat but an inflamed sore-lymphatic-ache around your throat that doesn't actually involve the esophagus? 

[jgladd21]

This is the type that chloraseptic spray or cough drops don't really help.  It's right at the middle of my throat (basically behind the Adam's apple) and no not at the bottom I guess.  And again I've been on an intense GERD diet and also take daily medication and have had several endoscopies and it's still unexplained 😕

[Scott Adams]

I wonder if your issue could be tied to low stomach acid, rather than high? I know this sounds counter-intuitive, but if the current approach isn't working, it's important to try others.

[Scott Adams]

PS - Be sure to check out this thread:

 

[Kate333]

Chronic allergies/post-nasal drip, living in a very dry, desert-like climate, and/or chronic, extreme anxiety could be factors, as could simply snoring/sleep apnea/sleeping with your mouth open at night (which dries out the throat/mouth moisture/mucous linings).  You said you "had all the tests" and they found nothing.  If those tests done included an upper endoscopy and nasal/throat scope and showed no tissue damage that should put your mind at ease. 

You might try getting a humidifier and/or antihistamines, diet change and see if you get any relief.  If not, you could request a sleep study/CPAP or counseling referral.  It's amazing how many health anxiety problems manifest with physical symptoms, like body pain.     

[raspberryfirecracker]

That's a really good point Scott.

When you're on proton pump inhibitors and your stomach acid gets too low, it causes a rebound effect and you end up with even more stomach acid than you would've had before treatment. Our body is pretty smart like that. 

GERD for me correlated with something I was intolerant to, so it resolved after going gluten free followed by dairy free. After being dx'd with it basically my entire life. Last time I had any issue was a couple weeks ago when I had real shredded cheese on a salad, oops.

Just out of concern, if there's any conceivable way to switch the PPI out with something less invasive, maybe try--as you can already tell, they're just a bandaid for short-term turmoil, they're not designed for longterm use, and most frighteningly, multiple studies have shown people that do take them can only do so for about two years maximum before they increase your risk of death from ALL causes! I can barely believe they're legal, to be honest.

H pylori comes to mind if you've ever dealt with ulcers, as well. It alters your stomach acid production to help itself survive, is very common, you can get it just from water. Antibiotics are the treatment. Olive leaf extract works against it as well. Lots of things for you to consider! 

[chellechic]

On 2/1/2021 at 3:44 PM, jgladd21 said:

Hi, I realized that I had a serious gluten intolerance about 4-5 years ago when I was experiencing constant headaches, stomach issues, and problems with fatigue.  My primary care doctor quickly told me to try and cut gluten out of my diet for a couple of weeks to see if that was the issue and within 5 days I felt great! (Although sad that I had to give up all of the foods I loved of course).

Since then, I have had a strict gluten free diet and only have been accidentally exposed a handful of times.  I am writing because I have also had a persistent sore throat from more than 2 years now and I wonder if there is any correlation to my gluten allergy or if anyone else has insight into this.  I have been to countless ENTs, GI doctors, and had all of the tests done with no results.  Any information or suggestions would be greatly appreciated since it has gotten to the point where it has taken over my daily life because of the persistent pain.

Thanks for any help!

I've had long lasting sore throat when my Epstein Barr virus was high also are you maybe breathing through your mouth at night the dryness can cause sore throat as well.  

 

[Beverage]

Me too!  This really helped me:

  https://drjockers.com/hiatal-hernia/

We actually need acid to digest food and get the vitamins available for the upper intestines to absorb them. So don't fall for antacids, except for a short time to allow for some healing. Antacids will cause you a world of hurt if used long term. 

Putting risers at head end of your bed to elevate bed a few inches helps a lot. 

I now use a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar before any meal with protein, and DGL tablets after dinner and/or before bed.  

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001IAJW0K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1