Smoking Archives

Throat and Tongue Pain

Hi Dr.

I'm an 18 year old male, and I've been noticing a dull aching pain the back of my throat near where my tongue connects to my mouth. The day after I smoked a strong cigar I began noticing this, and that was over a week ago. I'm not a regular smoker, having smoked maybe one or two cigars a month from June to December of last year. Other than a single dip of chewing tobacco in February, and a couple cigarettes a day prior to the cigar, I haven't smoked this year. The pain varies, sometimes the aforementioned tongue ache, other times the pain feels further down my throat. How concerned should I be about this? I don't plan on smoking again after this episode, but right now I'm pretty nervous. Whatever you could suggest would be most appreciated. Thanks.
Sean

Follow Ups:

• Re: Throat and Tongue Pain (Advanced warning system.) Archive in smoking. Walt Stoll [9.8] 06:23:05 7/09/04 (0)
• Re: Throat and Tongue Pain PhillyLady [1906.41] 22:29:54 7/08/04 (0)

In Reply to: Throat and Tongue Pain posted by Sean [659.14] on July 08, 2004 at 00:06:47:

Hi Sean:

I would suggest letting an ear/nose/throat specialist (ENT) take a look down there and see what's going on. He/she will be able to tell you if you have polyps, sores, etc. They may do a nasal scope (fiber optic). It's not that bad. I just had one done.

In Reply to: Throat and Tongue Pain posted by Sean [659.14] on July 08, 2004 at 00:06:47:

Hi, Sean.

I cannot disagree with PhillyLady but think the chances of finding anything structurally abmormal (the only thing today's specialist examination can find) are slim to none. Perhaps if we had the metabolic and intracellular tests we will have in 20 years....... This early it is almost certain that your healing capacity will take care of it within a few weeks.

My guess is that you are genetically one of those who should avoid tobacco like the plague. The day is coming soon when we will be able to predict which individual can contact tobacco with impunity and which of us will certainly be seriously damaged by that contact. Your bodymind is just giving you an advanced warning.

Walt