Persistent throat tightness / “swelling” sensation & hoarseness– normal ENT exams

F35 No medical history No constant medication Smoker Not drinking alcohol since this year

Since around 2017/2018 I’ve had a recurring sensation that my throat feels “tight” or like there’s a swelling at the junction between nose and throat. Food goes down, but it feels constricted in the upper throat. I also have frequent throat clearing and mucus as well as recurring hoarseness.

• I’ve had multiple ENT visits and nasoendoscopy/laryngoscopy exams (most recently March 2025), all normal except for some mucus from pollen allergies. Allergy tests were done, that confirmed year round pollen allergy.
• No tumors or masses were seen. No physical cause for regular hoarseness / throat clearing.
• I notice my singing voice has become worse over time. I used to sing quite well, now I barely hit any notes anymore.

Symptoms overall seem to gradually become worse since my first ENT visit, with some good and some bad days.

• No weight loss, no persistent one-sided blockage, no unexplained bleeding.

I have a follow-up ENT appointment in mid-November, but I’m feeling very anxious.

My questions:

1. Could this still be something serious, despite normal scopes?
2. I have read about this being tension related? Can this even be?
3. What can I do in the meantime to reduce symptoms until my next ENT visit?

Thanks for any guidance.