why i feel like something is stuck in my throat - #23060
I am really concerned because for the past week, I keep feeling like something is stuck in my throat. It’s super annoying, and honestly, it’s making me a bit freaked out. I’ve tried drinking water and eating bread to see if that helps, but it doesn’t really change anything. I was at a family gathering the other day, and I just couldn’t focus on the fun because every time I try to swallow, that weird sensation comes back. It feels like it’s right somewhere in the middle of my throat, and I don’t know if it’s allergies or something else. I’ve also been kind of stressed out lately, and part of me wonders if anxiety could be the cause of feeling like something is stuck in my throat. I haven’t had any trouble breathing or severe pain, but the whole experience is pretty unsettling. Should I see a doctor about this feeling of something stuck in my throat, or do you think it could just go away on its own? I mean, why I feel like something is stuck in my throat for so long? Has anyone else experienced this, like can stress cause this feeling?
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Doctors' responses
Feeling like something is stuck in your throat, commonly known as globus sensation, can be caused by a range of factors, including stress or anxiety, which can contribute to muscle tension in the throat area. However, it’s important to consider other potential causes too. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one possibility where stomach acid irritates the throat. Allergies or postnasal drip can also irritate the throat tissues and cause similar symptoms. If you have a history of environmental allergies, it might be worth exploring whether recent exposures could be a trigger. While it’s less common, there may be mechanical issues, such as an enlarged thyroid or esophageal issues that cause these sensations. Since you haven’t had trouble breathing or severe pain, this is less likely to be an emergency, but persistent symptoms like yours should be evaluated further if they don’t resolve within a few weeks, especially since you describe it as bothersome to daily life. Try a few additional measures at home: Avoid irritants such as smoke or alcohol, and consider using over-the-counter antacids if GERD is suspected. Practice stress-relief techniques like deep breathing or meditation to see if reducing stress helps alleviate the sensation over time. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’d be wise to consult a healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms in more detail. They might recommend a laryngoscopy or other investigations to rule out any structural cause. Addressing the sensation’s persistence, seeing a doctor is the best course of action to potentially improve your quality of life and provide peace of mind.
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