Author: Dominic Haragos, MD
Co Author #1: Samuel Saunders
Co Author #2: Philip Van De Griend
Senior Editor: Kristine Karlson, MD, FAMSSM
Editor: Moira Davenport, MD
Patient Presentation:
A 23-year-old male basketball player presented to clinic for evaluation of 2 days of odynophagia, dyspnea and sore throat.
History:
The player initially noted the pain after being struck in the throat during basketball practice. The pain was localized to the anterior neck and worsened with swallowing, palpation of the anterior neck and with rapid breathing during exercise. The symptoms were reproduced the next day at practice, particularly with running. He denied any history of allergies, smoking or vape use. The patient had no history of thyroid disease.
Physical Exam:
Vital signs: within normal limits
Mouth: no abnormality of the visible tissues of the mouth or oropharynx
Neck: slight right-sided deviation of the laryngeal prominence, more notable during swallowing. Tender to palpation of the anterior neck (midline) at the level of C5-C6. Full range of motion. No lymphadenopathy.
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