Persistent sore throat or hoarseness — which specialty
A sore throat or hoarseness that has not settled after three weeks.
Usually seen by
ENT
Other directions, depending on what comes with it:
- Gastroenterology — with heartburn or a lump-in-throat sensation after meals
Not sure you have picked the right one? Start with general internal medicine — routing you to the right place is their job, not yours.
Go now, without waiting for an appointment, if any of these apply
- Hoarseness lasting beyond three weeks in a smoker
- Increasing difficulty swallowing
- A painless neck lump that is enlarging
- Breathlessness or a noisy sound on breathing in
- Coughing blood
This list is not exhaustive and does not replace judgement on the spot. If something is clearly wrong and you are unsure, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest facility — waiting in order to be certain is the most dangerous way to spend the time.
What you will be asked — have the answers ready
- How long, and whether it settled at any point and returned
- Whether you smoke or drink alcohol
- Whether your work involves a lot of talking or singing
- Whether there is reflux or heartburn
- Whether you have lost weight
A first appointment is short. Having these answers ready is the cheapest way to avoid a second visit that exists only to supply information.
Bring with you
- The date it started
- A voice recording from when it is at its worst
- A list of medicines
What a first visit usually involves
- Nasendoscopy of the larynx — quick, and done in the clinic room
- Examination of the neck nodes
- Imaging if indicated