Irritated throat.

[pigeon12]

Does anyone else have a very sensitive throat. I have coughing fits when eating and talking and it always feels as if I have phlegm wrapped around my vocal cords. Sadly I had to give up singing in choirs which I loved.

[PMRpro]

I have another form of vasculitis and one of the early problems I had, long before diagnosis, was problems with breath control and being sure the right note would come out! I went from being able to hit top notes to being a mezzosoprano tending to the alto end! I know a few with vasculitis (PMR and GCA in our cases) who have similar problems to those you describe - especially the choking fits!

[egre]

I have a similar problem. For me it feels as though I've swallowed some dust and can't get rid of the irritation. It also affects the voice and being hoarse. Also causes coughing. This can go on for weeks. Nothing really helps. I drink a lot of water. Ents view is it might be reflux.

I have GPA, affecting ears,nose,lungs, kidneys. I'm seeing respiratory next month so will see what their opinion is.

[SueHG]

This is due to an under active thyroid I'm sure in my case. I always feel there is phlegm in my thoat which makes me cough and sneeze. I am medicated with T3 but it still persists but as I feel well I think that it is just another annoying side effect that I think I must put up with.

[pigeon12]

In a funny way it's a relief to know that this throat sensitivity is shared by others and probably just another symptom of vasculitis ( GPA in my case) and not something new to worry about. It's interesting that PMRpro said it was a very early symptom a long time before diagnosis. It was with me too along with other symptoms like blocking ears and crusty nose. I had these things and felt well for years but suddenly, out of the blue I became seriously ill. I've often wondered what triggered the sudden inflammatory response. Suspicion falls on brick dust as we were renovating a house at the time or a nasal endoscopy done to find out the cause of my blocked ears which seemed to stir up problems with my sinuses for which I needed very strong antibiotics.

[Main1234]

In a strange way it’s “nice” to know others suffer from this problem. My husband has GPA and has a horse voice since August. He also continually blows his nose and coughs. He also says he feels as if there is mucous stuck.

We are due to see the consultant soon and fingers crossed he still is in drug reduced remission. He had another ANCA test last week.

He says he feels well , on 100mgs if AZA. And antibiotics.

[Hidden]

I have Rheumatoid Vasculitis and Sjogren's syndrome due to my RD and sometimes just a swallow of water sets me off coughing. The mucus in my nose is horribly dry and also causes me to cough. Can't blow it out, so it ends up choking me.

[Loll1pop3]

Having been diagnosed with Vasculitis about 3 years ago, I have suffered with the same symptoms, I was initially put on a strong dose of Steroids (35mg) but have now been informed to slowly wean myself off them! Over a period of 12 months or so I have managed to get down to 2mg but I have noticed as I have lowered the dose, I have become breathless, wheezy and have long periods of coughing which produces fluid which is not easy to cough up! I await further advice from the medical profession but in the meantime I find that by increasing the dosage slightly, it does give some relief! Two other symptoms which have become more obvious - my loss of appetite and consequently tiredness, lack of motivation, muscle wastage and lack of energy! Hope you may find this useful!?

[pigeon12 in reply to Loll1pop3]

Try not to worry. I'm sure anxiety gives us symptoms. I had what felt like a lump in my throat but it turned out to be nothing and the doctor said worry can give you symptoms like that. I suffered from muscle wastage and fatigue and I got over it by forcing myself to get up out of the chair and use a stepper exercise machine for 5 mins at a time. Within a fortnight the strength was back in my legs and I can feel the muscles in my thighs and calves. From having to stop and rest every few yards I can now walk normally and inclines are no problem. My balance isn't so good though. The machine I use was very cheap. One of those where you stand on pedals and move them up and down. You can adjust the resistance as you get better. I hold on to the back of a chair so I don't fall. I also try to keep moving as much as possible and dance to music on the radio in my kitchen when no one's watching. It makes me feel more cheerful too.

[Loll1pop3 in reply to pigeon12]

Where did you acquire your ‘stepper’ from and even though you say it’s a cheap version, you have found it very beneficial! My balance is very much like you describe and I now use a stick to keep me upright - in fact with longer walks, I have now invested in a motorised scooter which we manage to fit in the boot of the car. How long have you been using the stepper and do you use it most days?

[pigeon12 in reply to Loll1pop3]

Mine is a Reebok but they are not sold new anymore . I paid about £40 for it. You can find them on ebay, Gumtree etc second hand. I'm about to buy a new one as my husband wants to use it when he's working away. It's a sport plus 2 in 1 dual exercise stepper from Amazon. £67. I use the stepper during the ad break when I'm watching TV. That's long enough for me for one session. If I'm not out walking that day I might use it two or three times. I hope your legs feel better soon. Just don't overdo it to begin with.

[Loll1pop3 in reply to pigeon12]

Thank you for your latest response! As you may appreciate, having been a sports teacher initially + a keen rugby player and DIY enthusiast, this has all come as a bit of a shock!!

[pigeon12 in reply to Loll1pop3]

Yes I was recently retired when I was diagnosed and busy doing a bit of supply teaching but that all had to go as I don't have the physical and mental stamina anymore and being on immunosuppressants it isn't wise to expose myself to the myriad of bugs around in schools.

[ReidyWG in reply to pigeon12]

I'm in the same boat, it takes more than physical energy to be a supply teacher, I found it soul destroying.

[Paprika60]

I have similar symptoms but in my case I actually cough up phlegms every time I feel like I have something stuck in my throat. And this is countless. So I drink water all the time. This has been going on for 5 years ever since I had a stroke (vasculitis related). One of the main stroke symptoms was not being able to swallow anything...

I had to learn swallowing all over again. But recovered mostly however still find singing in decent pitch sometimes challenging and eating nuts can be tricky. It seems I cannot swallow as easily as before. And once I have a little choke, I too go into a coughing fit. I have to be mindful of food as I am paranoid about chocking.

Have you thought of having some therapy exercise? I have had help from speech therapist and it has helped with strengthening muscle around throat. Your GP should be able to organise it for you. Worth a try. As for keeping yourself safe from bugs, try gargling with a drop or two of essential oil, thyme in warm water before bed. It works better than salt. I do whenever I feel I need to protect myself.

[pigeon12 in reply to Paprika60]

I'm paranoid about choking too and cut up my food very small.

[ReidyWG]

I've been told my vocal chords and throat are burnt by reflux. Often hoarse with irritation my ENT consultant prescribed Gaviscon Extra.