What could be causing my constant raspy throat and soreness?

[Inkytreasure]

For quite a few years now I have been suffering with what I can only describe as a raspy throat. It feels as though I have been shouting a lot and it feels sore but not the same kind of sore throat you get with a cold, it's more like a dried out feeling.

I also find that when I talk, although my voice sounds fine, the more I talk the more this dry, raspy feeling comes on, like when you have been shouting. I also suffer with quite a sore tongue at times which can look quite red in places (I will see if I can upleoad a picture). Sometimes, during the night I will wake coughing, as though the dryness has caught my throat and it will make me cough until my eyes stream.

Another problem which I suffer from on/off throughout the month is a weird sense of smelling of cigarettes even though there is no smoke around me (this tends to come either mid cycle or a few days before my period).

I have mentioned this to the GP in the past but they didn't seem bothered about it but it's really bothering me now, it can even make my left ear feel sore and seems to exacerbate my tinnitus.

What could be causing this? I drink lots of water (in fact, I only ever drink water), I don't smoke or live in a dry environment.

I am 52 and deep in perimenopause, could this be causing the issue? I can't take HRT, I have tried various types but I have endometriosis and adenomyosis and it exacerbated the pain and I have been advised by my gynae not to take it.

Sorry for these hideous pics but this is how my tongue can look. It can be like this for days then clear right up for a few weeks. I've experienced this for a few decades, not sure if it's related to the throat issue but seems too much of a coincidence.

I was told years ago it was simply geographicical tongue?

Probably Acid Reflux
The symptoms you describe sound very like mine and I have had Reflux since my late 20's but it has got worse over the last 5 years or so

My first thought was vitamin B deficiency or malabsorption. Look it up OP and see if it rings any bells.

Oh, that tongue looks painful, OP.
Might it be established and intransigent oral Thrush?
Try some Fluconazole ( otc) and Nystatin ( on prescription).

See a pharmacy about that tongue.

Sounds like acid reflux though.

Thanks everyone.

I will look into a B deficiency.

I'd not considered the possibility of acid reflux. I have struggled for decades with IBS, had a gastroscope and coloscopy around 5 years ago but no mention of reflux by the gastroenterologist but I do burp a lot, suffer from a lot of nausea and often have pain and gas in my stomach, maybe it's related? Tbh, I thought it was all perimenopause related. I will need to go and ask my GP about that.

I will ask my gp about this, thanks.

The more I'm looking into this the more I'm wondering if it's some kind of silent reflux. I'm constantly clearing my throat and wondered if that was causing my raspy feeling but maybe it's acid creeping up and irritating my throat?

I've just requested a GP appointment so will see what they have to say.

I am lucky to have a good GP, but many people do not. The only thing I will say is that if they don't hear from you, they assume you are completely better. Out of sight, out of mind. You have to be persistent, write down a comprehensive detailed history - it makes it easier and quicker when you actually get a face to face. Take someone with you. You really do need to be seen by a doctor who will take a history, examine you, do the correct tests and refer you on if appropriate.
It shouldn't be so difficult, but these days it can be a struggle.

It's so difficult at our surgery since they went over to an app. We have to use this app for everything and they will happily dismiss you with a short message if they can.

With regards to the geographical tongue are you keeping an eye on your diet? Fruits like kiwis or oranges can do that to a tongue.

I have to be very careful what I eat due to my IBS so no spicy foods at all and I do keep a food and symptom diary. I don't consume any fruit which I know is probably bad but most fruit upsets my stomach. I actually have a very bland diet.
I do know that tomatoes and pickled foods make the tongue issue worse though so I only consume these occasionally.

Fruit doesn’t agree with my stomach either.
Anything with citric acid can do that to a tongue - like you say tomatoes too. Ragu tomatoe sauce and some cheap tinned tomatoes seem to have that effect too.
I’d keep a diary and note when it happens to try to find what to avoid.
If you think silent reflux maybe try all the tips for that - sit at a table to eat, stay upright for a while after, don’t eat too late. Liquid Gaviscon before bed to cover the food in your stomach if you feel the need.

Sounds like acid reflux to me.

Yes I had that and it was reflux - look up reflux laryngitis - the acid comes up your throat and burns the bottom of your larynx causing your raspy voice