President Obama made a trip to his doctor Saturday afternoon for treatment of a sore throat and was diagnosed with “soft tissue inflammation related to acid reflux” after a routine CT scan.
Mr. Obama left the White House shortly after 2 p.m., reporters in tow, to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. He was being examined by his physician, Capt. Ronny Jackson.
White House press secretary Josh Earnest said the president has been complaining of a sore throat and that Dr. Jackson recommended he go to Walter Reed for diagnostic tests.
In a statement later Saturday, Dr. Jackson — who worked with a ear, nose and throat specialist from Fort Belvoir Medical Center to examine Mr. Obama — said the president’s CT scan came back normal.
“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. The CT scan was conducted this afternoon purely as a matter of convenience for the President’s schedule,” Dr. Jackson said. “The CT scan was normal. The President’s symptoms are consistent with soft tissue inflammation related to acid reflux and will be treated accordingly.
According to Dr. Jackson, the tests are a matter of convenience for the president, not a matter of urgency, the White House said.
Mr. Obama had no public events on his schedule Saturday.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.
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