Washington: US President Obama on Sunday underwent a CT scan and a fiber optic exam after complaining of a persistent sore throat, and was found to have symptoms indicating acid reflux.
Obama, 53, went to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Acid reflux, where stomach acid leaks up the throat, is a common condition and is not considered serious.
“This morning, an ear, nose and throat specialist conducted a fiber optic exam of the President’s throat based on symptoms of sore throat over the past couple weeks,” said Dr Ronny L Jackson, physician to the President and Director of the White House Medical Unit on Obama’s 28-minutue visit to the military medical facility.
“The exam revealed soft tissue swelling in the posterior throat and I, in consultation with the specialist, determined that further evaluation with a routine CT scan was prudent,” he said, adding that the CT scan was conducted purely as a matter of convenience for the President’s schedule. The results of the scan were normal, and Obama would be treated for acid reflux, Jackson said.
“The President’s symptoms are consistent with soft tissue inflammation related to acid reflux and will be treated accordingly,” Jackson said. White House press secretary Josh Earnest said the President was not sedated, so no transfer of authority was necessary.
However, Vice President Joe Biden and other senior White House staffers “were kept up to speed,” Earnest said.
Obama visited Jackson for his periodic checkup in May. Jackson described Obama’s overall health as “excellent.”
The checkup information, released in June, was the third medical report released by the White House during Obama’s presidency. Asked whether the President is still smoking, Earnest replied that Obama quit with the assistance of nicotine gum. (PTI)
Obama has had very few medical problems during his nearly six years in office. The health of US presidents and presidential candidates generates considerable media interest in the US. PTI LKJ NSA AKJ AKJ 12071432
