Throat Conditions

Expert assessment and treatment for throat, voice and laryngeal conditions.

Conditions Treated

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR / Silent Reflux)

Silent reflux — also known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) — is one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in ENT. Unlike classic acid reflux (GERD), silent reflux does not typically cause heartburn. Instead, acid and pepsin reach the throat and voice box, causing symptoms that are frequently misattributed to other causes.

Symptoms include a persistent sensation of something stuck in the throat (globus pharyngeus), chronic throat clearing, hoarse voice particularly in the morning, sore throat without infection, a persistent cough, and recurrent episodes of laryngitis. Because the primary symptom is rarely heartburn, patients can spend years being investigated for other conditions before LPR is considered.

Treatment involves dietary changes (reducing caffeine, alcohol, tomatoes, chocolate, fatty foods), eating earlier in the evening, raising the head of the bed, and where necessary, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication. Professor Veer has a particular interest in the relationship between LPR and sleep-disordered breathing, which can make reflux significantly worse through the negative intrathoracic pressure generated during obstructed breathing at night.

Globus Pharyngeus

The sensation of a lump in the throat without any actual structural obstruction is called globus pharyngeus. It is extremely common and can be deeply distressing. Patients frequently worry about cancer, but in the vast majority of cases the cause is benign — often LPR, anxiety, or postnasal drip. A thorough assessment including flexible nasendoscopy (a camera passed through the nose to view the back of the throat) is required to exclude any structural cause and provide reassurance.

Persistent Sore Throat

A sore throat lasting more than three to four weeks requires specialist assessment to exclude underlying causes. In most cases, the cause is benign — chronic tonsillitis, postnasal drip, LPR, or mouth breathing from nasal obstruction. However, a thorough examination is always warranted. Professor Veer will examine the throat, tonsils, and surrounding structures with a flexible endoscope where needed.

Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)

Difficulty swallowing can range from a mild intermittent sensation to a significant symptom interfering with eating and drinking. Causes range from reflux and structural narrowing to neurological conditions. Urgent assessment is required if swallowing difficulty is worsening, associated with weight loss, or associated with a change in voice.

Hoarse Voice

Hoarseness (dysphonia) lasting more than three weeks should be assessed by an ENT specialist. NICE guidelines recommend urgent referral for hoarseness persisting beyond three weeks in patients over 45. Common benign causes include vocal cord nodules, polyps, reflux, and vocal overuse. Nasendoscopy allows direct visualisation of the vocal cords.

Throat and Tonsil Conditions

For information about tonsillitis, tonsil stones, adenoid problems and tonsillectomy — please see our dedicated Tonsils & Adenoids page.

"After a lot of research, I chose Vik Veer as my surgeon to perform a tonsillectomy. From my initial consultation, I felt at ease and his consultation was thorough and extremely informative. The surgery went well and I would have no hesitation in recommending Mr Veer." Google Review, 5 stars — Melanie Treadwell

Throat and Sleep

Many throat conditions are made significantly worse by sleep-disordered breathing. Snoring causes chronic vibration trauma to the soft palate and throat tissues. Obstructive sleep apnoea generates repeated episodes of high negative intrathoracic pressure that drives acid reflux. Mouth breathing from nasal obstruction dries out the throat throughout the night.

If you have throat symptoms that do not seem to respond to standard treatment, or if your symptoms are worse in the morning, Professor Veer will always consider the possibility of a sleep-related contribution. As a snoring clinic Harley Street and sleep surgery practice, this integrated approach — treating the throat and the airway together — is central to what we offer.

When Should I See a Specialist?

  • A sore throat or hoarse voice lasting more than three to four weeks
  • Difficulty swallowing, particularly if worsening
  • A lump felt in the neck or throat
  • Unexplained throat pain on one side
  • Persistent cough without obvious cause
  • Recurrent episodes of tonsillitis
  • A persistent sensation of something stuck in the throat
  • Any rapidly changing or severe throat symptom

What to Expect at a Consultation

Professor Veer will take a detailed history of your symptoms and perform a thorough examination including flexible nasendoscopy where indicated. This is a brief, well-tolerated procedure in which a thin, flexible camera is passed through the nostril to view the back of the nose, throat, and vocal cords in real time. It takes approximately two minutes and provides immediate information that significantly aids diagnosis.

Following your consultation you will receive a clear explanation of findings, a diagnosis where possible, and a structured management plan.

"I just wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for the seamless care I received during my operation. A huge thank you to Dr Veer for his thorough and professional approach, and to Kerry for her flawless support in keeping everything organised. Your kindness, dedication, and expertise truly made a difference." Google Review, 5 stars — Ama

Frequently Asked Questions

Throat surgery is considered when conservative measures have failed and the underlying condition is causing significant symptoms. Common indications include recurrent tonsillitis meeting frequency criteria, tonsil or adenoid enlargement causing breathing difficulties or obstructive sleep apnoea, vocal cord polyps or nodules not responding to voice therapy, and structural causes of dysphagia. An ENT surgeon will assess whether surgery is appropriate based on a thorough examination and the individual clinical picture.

An ENT surgeon London treats a wide range of throat conditions including laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR/silent reflux), globus pharyngeus (sensation of a lump in the throat), persistent sore throat, recurrent tonsillitis, tonsil stones, hoarse voice, vocal cord problems, difficulty swallowing, and throat conditions related to snoring and sleep apnoea. Nasendoscopy allows direct visualisation of the throat and vocal cords in clinic.

A tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils, performed under general anaesthesia. Recovery typically takes two weeks. The throat will be sore throughout this period, and pain is often worst around days three to seven before gradually improving. Patients should eat and drink normally despite the discomfort, as this aids healing. Regular analgesia is important, and strenuous activity should be avoided for the full two weeks to minimise the risk of bleeding.

The throat — particularly the soft palate, uvula and tonsils — is one of the main sites where airway narrowing during sleep causes snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea. Surgical procedures targeting these structures can widen the airway and reduce snoring. A thorough upper airway assessment at a snoring clinic Harley Street will identify which anatomical sites are contributing to the problem and guide appropriate treatment.

Yes. Enlarged tonsils, a long soft palate or uvula, and excess tissue in the throat can all narrow the upper airway during sleep and contribute to obstructive sleep apnoea. LPR (laryngopharyngeal reflux) can also worsen airway inflammation overnight. Professor Veer always considers the possibility of sleep-disordered breathing in patients with throat symptoms, particularly when symptoms are worse in the morning.

At a snoring clinic Harley Street, assessment begins with a detailed history and thorough examination including flexible nasendoscopy — a thin camera passed through the nose to view the throat, soft palate and vocal cords. A sleep study may be arranged to quantify the degree of sleep-disordered breathing. Results guide a personalised treatment plan, which may include lifestyle measures, medical treatment, positional therapy, or surgery depending on the findings.

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