President Obama underwent a CT scan today as doctors tried to determine the cause of his chronic sore throat.
“This morning, an ear, nose and throat specialist from Fort Belvoir Medical Center conducted a fiber optic exam, under my supervision, of the president’s throat based on symptoms of sore throat over the past couple weeks,” Dr. Ronny Jackson, physician to the president and director of the White House Medical Unit, said in a statement.
“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,” Jackson said. “The CT scan was conducted this afternoon purely as a matter of convenience for the president’s schedule. The CT scan was normal.”
“The president’s symptoms are consistent with soft tissue inflammation related to acid reflux and will be treated accordingly.”
Obama had the tests conducted at Walter Reed. He was there for less than an hour this afternoon before arriving back at the White House.
“The president has been complaining of a sore throat. In light of that and given that the president has free time in his schedule this afternoon, Dr. Jackson, the president’s physician, recommended he go to Walter Reed for some diagnostic tests,” White House press secretary Josh Earnest said. “According to Dr. Jackson, the quickly scheduled test is a matter of convenience for the president, not a matter of urgency.”
Obama spent part of last weekend golfing at Andrews Air Force Base, but it has been raining today in Washington.
The president’s week kicks off Monday with a visit from Prince William; on Tuesday, he’ll tape an interview with Stephen Colbert at George Washington University.
On Wednesday, Obama will pitch his executive actions on immigration in a Nashville speech.
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