Can swollen glands and a sore throat be related to RA?
I never know if I should ask my primary care dr or my rheumatologist about random symptoms. Seems like almost everything relates to RA (or to my meds) so I tend to go to my rheumatologist but don't like bugging him over EVERYTHING under the sun.
I've had a recurrent sore throat caused by swollen glands in my neck for a few months now. Sore throat like squeezed, sort of, compressed, stressed... like sore swallowing muscles, but also red and inflamed at the back of my throat. It comes and it goes - but it just keeps coming back. Annoying.
So, what do you guys thing - primary care or rheumatologist? (My primary care doctor currently takes nothing but phone appointments, and basically just says to go to ER if it's severe pain, or else walk in to urgent care for most other things) Thank you!
We absolutely hear you
, it seems like there are so many symptoms and complications that come along with RA- it's hard to keep track of it! It’s entirely possible that these throat pains you've been experiencing have something to do with RA, as there is a joint in your throat – the cricoarytenoid joint. This article may give you more insight here: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/a-hoarse-of-a-different-color/ I'd say it would be beneficial to have a conversation with your Rheumatologist, then your PCP depending on what your Rheumy says. Keep us updated with how it goes! Best, Ashley (Team Member) Thank you! It strikes me that I have asked this question before, because that answer sounds familiar...
Brain fog. How much of THAT is RA related!? LOL!!
Hi RAH8R. You are not alone in the community in experiencing swollen lymph nodes. In fact, not long ago one of our contributors was having a similar experience. Here is her question and the response I wrote (short answer, yes, RA and autoimmune conditions in general can have swollen lymph nodes as a symptom): https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/q-and-a/swollen-glands/.
The question on which doctor to approach with new issues is a good one and the answer can largely depend on the relationship with the doctors. My wife, Kelly Mack (a contributor here), discusses in this article how she uses her GP as a sort of health manager for seeing the whole picture and helping to coordinate between the various doctors: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/finding-new-health-manager/. Wishing you the best. Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)Thank you! I try that with my primary care, but her answer tends to be 'if it's really bad go to the ER' lol
