Hi,

I have been experiencing slight discomfort in the left side of my throat/neck for the last 3 or so months. I have been a social smoker in the past, but have since all but sworn it off. I began experiencing this discomfort just after a recent smoking binge. I have probably been a casual social smoker since i was 17 (now 24). At times going 6-7 months without a cigarette, and at times smoking 5-10 a week. I would say that in the last 7 years i have probably not had more than 3 cartons of cigarettes in total so that would be less than 100 cigarettes a year on average. My symptoms have been slight discomfort while swallowing and i feel that my glands are slightly swollen. My mouth is constantly dry and i always feel like i need to drink. I do have about 2-3 cups of coffee a day and am a big soda drinker. I am admittedly a slight hypochondriac but i can't help from thinking that this is not something serious. I have been meaning to visit an ENT but have yet to get around to it. Everyone i speak with says that it is most probably nothing, but this hasn't put me at ease. Can someone offer some advice?

Thank you.