Common symptoms
- Sore throat
- Recurrent throat infections and tonsillitis
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Persistent throat discomfort
- Hoarseness or a change in voice
- Persistent cough
- Foreign body in the throat
When to see an ENT specialist
- Hoarseness lasting more than three weeks — especially if you smoke
- Tonsillitis several times a year
- Pain on swallowing, or a feeling of something stuck
- A cough that will not settle
- A fish bone or other object stuck in the throat — seek care the same day
Do not wait for an appointment. Sudden hearing loss in one ear, difficulty breathing, or a nosebleed that will not stop needs the hospital emergency department now, not an appointment.
How it is assessed
Video laryngoscopy lets the voice box and vocal cords be examined in the clinic in a few minutes, with the picture on screen. It helps identify vocal cord nodules and polyps, inflammation from acid reflux, and other changes.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause: medicines, treatment of reflux, voice rest and voice therapy. Tonsillectomy may be recommended for frequent, well-documented tonsillitis, or tonsils large enough to affect breathing or sleep. Growths on the vocal cords may need microlaryngeal surgery.
Frequently asked questions
When is tonsil removal needed?
Tonsillectomy is generally considered when throat infections are frequent and severe, or when enlarged tonsils cause snoring or breathing problems during sleep. The decision is individual and made after examination and a discussion of your history.
Why has my voice been hoarse for weeks?
Common causes include voice overuse, acid reflux and vocal cord nodules. Hoarseness lasting more than three weeks should always be examined, particularly in smokers.
Can a fish bone stuck in the throat be removed in the clinic?
Often yes, when it can be seen on examination or endoscopy. Do not try to push it down by swallowing rice or bread.
This page is general information to help you decide when to seek care. It is not a diagnosis — the right treatment depends on examination.