Air pollution can cause long-term health problems

Dear Dr. Donya,

My name is Ferianto. I am 25 years old. I have been suffering from a sore throat since I was 15-16 years old. My voice is hoarse (not because of puberty) and if I talk for more than 15 to 30 minutes, my throat becomes irritated and painful. Drinking water gives little relief from the pain. I notice I have a lot of mucus/phlegm in my throat, making me have to clear my throat many times a day. I have done a CT scan and the result showed that I do not have sinusitis.

I think my problem started when I was 14 years old. Then, the mucus was yellowish and my doctor told me that I was suffering from an infection. Since then, the sore throat has persisted and has gotten worse with the mucus a blackish color.

I have consulted six doctors, three of them ear nose and throat (ENT) specialists but I am not cured.

For your information, one of the specialists suggested that I have my tonsils removed because they may be the source of my problems. I had the tonsils removed but the problems persist.

I also suffer from a mild problem with my joints. If I exercise, for example play basketball for say two to three hours, in the end I feel all my joints are going to fall apart. My friends are exhausted but do not feel the pain like me. I have done a rheumatic test but the result is not conclusive.

I also suffer redness and puffiness around my eyes and the specialist could not find anything wrong with my eyes. Anytime I speak and my throat hurts, my eyes become red and irritated.

So, is there a connection between my sore throat and my eye problem? What kind of test that I should take to determine whether I have bacterial or viral infection related to my throat, nose or even my eyes? I hope you can help me find the possible root of my problems.

-- Ferianto

Dear Ferianto,

I am sorry to hear that you have this unsolved problem. Do you live in Jakarta? I am sure that one of your causes is pollution and possibly air-conditioning is involved.

It is strange that your throat gets dry easily, I would think it is caused by an allergy, especially allergic rhinitis, that can involve eyes, nose and throat or a sleeping problem.

A collection of symptoms, predominantly in the nose and eyes, can occur after exposure to airborne particles of dust or dander or to pollens of certain seasonal plants in people that are allergic to these substances.

Here are symptoms of allergic rhinitis: coughing, headache, itching of the nose, mouth, eyes, throat, skin, or any area, runny nose (rhinitis), impaired smell, sneezing. There may be frequent stuffy nose (nasal congestion), increasing tearing, sore throat or wheezing.

You seem to have chronic and recurrent symptoms. You should observe what makes your symptoms worse or better. Do you always have these symptoms at home or at work? Are you better when you are at home or in the fresh air?

I know that your history is long and difficult to explain, I would say if you have anything in common at least one in six doctors would detect the symptoms. Do not change doctors. If the same doctor sees you coming with the same or a similar problem he/she will find out what exactly is happening or refer you to a specialist if he/she cannot handle the problem.

I don't think you have rheumatic problems. Two to three hours exercise will make me and most other people feel like you. If the pain is over the next day, then your symptoms are not caused by a disease. Good luck!

-- Dr. Donya