What Causes Feeling of Something Stuck in Throat?
August 21, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
The sensation of something being stuck in the throat, often referred to as “globus sensation” or “globus pharyngeus,” can be caused by various factors. It’s a subjective feeling that there is an obstruction, lump, or discomfort in the throat, even when there’s no physical blockage present. Some common causes of this sensation include:
- Anxiety and Stress: Stress and anxiety can lead to muscle tension and a feeling of tightness in the throat, creating the sensation of something being stuck.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid reflux can cause irritation and inflammation in the throat, leading to a sensation of discomfort or something being stuck.
- Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR): Similar to GERD, LPR involves the backflow of stomach acid into the throat, causing irritation and a feeling of a lump or obstruction.
- Throat Muscle Tension: Tension in the muscles of the throat can result from stress, excessive talking, shouting, or other factors, leading to a sensation of tightness or obstruction.
- Postnasal Drip: Excess mucus from the nose and sinuses can drip down the back of the throat, causing irritation and the sensation of a lump.
- Swallowing Disorders: Certain conditions that affect the ability to swallow, such as dysphagia, can result in the sensation of something being stuck.
- Enlarged Thyroid Gland (Goiter): An enlarged thyroid gland can create pressure on the throat, causing discomfort or the feeling of an obstruction.
- Muscle Disorders: Certain conditions that affect the muscles of the throat and esophagus can lead to swallowing difficulties and a sensation of something being stuck.
- Anatomic Abnormalities: Structural abnormalities or growths in the throat, such as tonsil stones or benign tumors, can lead to a feeling of something being lodged in the throat.
- Allergies and Irritants: Allergies and exposure to irritants like smoke or pollutants can cause throat irritation and a sensation of something being stuck.
- Dry Throat: Insufficient hydration and dry conditions can cause throat dryness and discomfort.
- Hypersensitivity: Some individuals might have heightened sensitivity to minor discomforts in the throat, leading to the perception of something being stuck.
It’s important to note that if you experience persistent or severe sensations of something being stuck in your throat, it’s recommended to consult a healthcare professional. They can perform a physical examination, take your medical history, and, if necessary, conduct further tests to determine the underlying cause of the sensation. Treatment will depend on the specific cause identified. If you ever have difficulty breathing, severe pain, or other alarming symptoms along with this sensation, seek medical attention immediately.