Obama Suffering from Persistent Sore Throat, Taken to Hospital
It was a slow day for the group of reporters stationed at the White House when they were sent home because of U.S. President Barack Obama's empty public schedule. The press, who usually accompanied the president in his activities, was caught by surprise when Obama made an unexpected visit to the hospital on Saturday.
Obama was taken via motorcade to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland for a CT scan, said Fox News. Obama reportedly went through a fiber optic exam by an ear, nose and throat specialist in the Washington residence due to his persistent sore throat before proceeding to the medical facility.
Physician to the President and Director of the White House Medical Unit, Dr. Ronny L Jackson, recommended Obama to visit the facility for a CT scan, which came back with normal results and revealed that the president's symptoms indicated acid reflux.
"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," Dr. Jackson said according to The Economic Times.
"The President's symptoms are consistent with soft tissue inflammation related to acid reflux and will be treated accordingly," Jackson added.
Acid reflux is a common condition where stomach acid leaks up the throat.
According to White House press secretary Josh Earnest, Vice President Joe Biden and other senior White House staffers "were kept up to speed," but no transfer of authority was needed as the president was not sedated.
Obama's physician has described the president's overall health as "excellent" during his periodic check up in May. The president had very few medical problems during his nearly six years in office. As to his smoking, Earnest has confirmed that the president no longer needs the assistance of nicotine gum.
