Title: 31M – 6 weeks of throat pain, worse with shouting and swallowing water, fluctuates day to day

Hi, 31M, UK, non-smoker. Since 30th December I’ve had intermittent throat pain located on one side of my lower throat (around the larynx area). It fluctuates a lot. Current pattern: • No pain with normal speaking • Pain when I shout or project my voice • Pain when swallowing water (no pain with food) • Dry swallows often don’t hurt • Sometimes tender to touch externally • Worse later in the day after talking a lot (I work on the phone) It can disappear completely in the morning, then return later in the day. Some days are much worse than others. No: • Persistent hoarseness • Weight loss • Lump in neck • Coughing blood • Difficulty breathing • Smoking history GP exam last week: • Neck normal, no lumps • Thyroid normal • Oral exam normal • Suspected acid reflux / laryngeal irritation • Started on omeprazole + Gaviscon It seems slightly better than a week ago (I no longer have to turn my head to swallow), but still fluctuates and hasn’t resolved. I have an ENT appointment booked next week, but anxiety is high and I’m worried about something serious. Does this pattern (fluctuating, worse with projection, water but not food, better in mornings) sound more like reflux/muscle tension/iritation than something sinister? Appreciate any input.