Obama’s sore throat sends him to Walter Reed for CT scan

President Obama’s sore throat sent him to doctors for a CT scan — but turns out, he simply had acid reflux.

Mr. Obama underwent the CT scan this weekend at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the White House said, CNN reported. He was never sedated so there was never any transfer of authority, White House press secretary Josh Earnest said.

Vice President Joseph R. Biden, as well as other leading White House officials, “were kept up to speed” on the president’s situation, Mr. Earnest said, CNN reported.

Mr. Obama’s doctor reported the CT scan came back normal — and that the president’s sore throat symptoms were “consistent with soft tissue inflammation related to acid reflux,” he said, CNN reported.

The president’s visit to Walter Reed in Maryland wasn’t on the White House schedule, and reporters in the pool had to scurry to join the motorcade, CNN reported.

Mr. Obama went into the facility and left 28 minutes later, CNN said.

Ronny Jackson, the president’s physician, said this shortly after the Saturday visit: “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. 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. The CT scan was normal. The president’s symptoms are consistent with soft tissue inflammation related to acid reflux and will be treated accordingly,” CNN reported.

At least one medical official said a change in diet oftentimes helps sooth acid reflux symptoms.

Mr. Earnest, in response to a question from the press about the president’s cigarette smoking habits — another known contributor to sore throat symptoms — said Mr. Obama had quit with the help of nicotine gum, CNN said.