Mumbai docs come to the rescue of 100-yr-old man suffered from throat irritation 

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Doctors at a Mumbai hospital have come to the rescue of a 100-year-old man who had throat irritation including difficulty swallowing food by treating him in time. The remarkable aspect of the case is that the centenarian is Dr A. C. Johari, who is a city-based veteran ENT surgeon himself.

Finding the cause, and treatment

A doctor who has spent decades examining and treating patients with ENT disorders, Dr. Johari visited Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre for treatment after persistent throat irritation, a sensation of a foreign body or lump in the throat, and considerable difficulty swallowing food.

Dr Johari, who trained at KEM Hospital in the city has been associated with ENT practice in the city for over six decades. Given his age and symptoms, his concern about whether there could be a more serious underlying condition was understandable. 

The medical team performed a video laryngoscopy to examine the throat and larynx in detail. The examination revealed a small pouch-like abnormality in the pharyngeal region, which is a benign condition with no evidence of a sinister underlying disease. The findings provided significant reassurance to Dr. Johari, who was able to see the laryngoscopy images himself.

“When an ENT surgeon of Dr. Johari’s experience presents with symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, a foreign-body sensation or a persistent feeling of something being stuck in the throat, it is understandable that there may be concern about a more serious underlying condition. In his case, the video-laryngoscopy provided immediate clarity. The findings were reassuring and indicated a benign condition. It was particularly gratifying to see the relief when he could see the findings himself. Sometimes, timely examination can provide not just a diagnosis, but tremendous reassurance to a patient,” said Dr Divya Prabhat, who is the consultant ENT Surgery, at the hospital.

Medical coincidence 

The case carried an unusual coincidence as well. Years earlier, Dr. Johari had performed a sinus procedure on Dr. Divya Prabhat. Decades later, the roles were reversed as the veteran specialist became the patient and Dr Prabhat performed his video-laryngoscopy at the hospital.

“Having spent my entire professional life examining and treating patients with ENT complaints, I know how symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or a sensation of something being stuck in the throat can create apprehensions. When I experienced these symptoms myself, I too wanted to know exactly what was happening. The video-laryngoscopy gave me that answer and, more importantly, the reassurance that there was nothing sinister. It was also remarkable to have the examination performed by a doctor whom I had treated five decades ago. Medicine can bring us full circle in the most unexpected ways,” said Dr Johari.

Following the reassuring findings, Dr. Johari was advised medical management for the benign condition. His case highlights that while symptoms such as persistent throat irritation, a foreign-body sensation, a feeling of a lump or difficulty swallowing can cause anxiety, they can also arise from benign conditions. Timely ENT evaluation and appropriate examination can help establish the cause and provide reassurance.