Feeling a knot in my throat

Here's What Causes a Lump in Your Throat and How to Treat It

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Muscle tension

When they’re not in use for talking or swallowing, throat muscles are often relaxed. However, if they do not relax correctly, you may feel more tension than usual. This can sometimes feel like a lump or bump in your throat.

Acid reflux

Stomach acid entering your esophagus can cause a feeling of muscle tension or swelling in your throat’s tissues. This may feel like a lump or blockage in your throat.

It’s also possible for reflux to push up into the larynx and pharynx, which can also create the globus sensation.

Postnasal drip

Excess mucus from the nose and sinuses can accumulate in the back of your throat. This is known as postnasal drip. As it slides down your throat, it can cause a lump-like feeling by causing an increase in sensitivity.

Emotional reactions

Stress, grief, anxiety, and pride are intense emotions that may trigger globus sensation. They can also make the feeling worse. Extreme fatigue may also cause this feeling.

It’s important to know that globus sensation is not dangerous, and it does not cause additional complications. That means contacting a doctor is often unnecessary.

However, this sensation can be confused with other disorders that do need a doctor’s attention. You should call a doctor within a few days if you continue to experience the lump in your throat or if you develop other symptoms.

For example, difficulty swallowing can be a sign of a larger problem and should be addressed immediately.

Seeing an ENT specialist

If you’re unsure of your symptoms and would like a clear diagnosis, make an appointment with a doctor. They may refer you to an otolaryngologist, or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.

This doctor will examine your mouth, nose, and throat. They will pass a flexible, ultrathin telescope with a light through your nose to see inside your sinuses and down into your throat

This examination may not confirm a globus sensation diagnosis. What it can do is offer another explanation for your symptoms. For example, if acid reflux is suspected, additional testing may be done to confirm that diagnosis.

Globus sensation is benign. That means it’s not a serious condition and will not result in more serious complications.

However, some conditions may mimic globus sensation at first. In other words, the first symptoms may seem like globus sensation, but additional symptoms will appear eventually.

You should pay attention to additional symptoms that may pop up if you experience a lump in your throat occasionally. In most cases, a globus sensation is a sign of nothing serious, but being alert to changes can help you catch other possible problems early.

These symptoms include:

pain
difficulty swallowing or choking
a lump or mass that can be seen or felt
a fever
weight loss
muscle weakness

Globus sensation has no treatment. That’s because doctors and researchers are not sure what causes it, and in most people, the sensation goes away quickly.

But it’s important to know that if you experience this sensation from time to time, you’re not alone. This is a very common feeling, and it is not a sign of a more serious problem.

Some of the causes of the lump-in-throat feeling are treatable. If a doctor discovers that one of these conditions is responsible for your globus sensation, treatment may help ease the feeling.

Treatment for some common causes of feeling a lump in your throat include:

Muscle therapy

If muscle tension is causing the feeling, a doctor may refer you to a speech pathologist or physical therapist to learn how to ease the tightness when it occurs.

Nasal spray

The most common treatment for postnasal drip is a nasal spray.

Some other treatments include drinking plenty of fluid to keep the secretions thin and mobile. Over-the-counter (OTC) decongestants may also help remove the buildup and eliminate the drip.

Therapy

Depression, anxiety, grief, and other mental health issues can sometimes temporarily cause globus sensation. Talk therapy or treatment with antidepressants may help treat the underlying issues that lead to this feeling.

Antacids

Both OTC antacids and prescription reflux medications can help ease acid reflux. When this is treated, the sensation in your throat should ease.

Eating

Simply chewing and swallowing food may be all you need to ease the feeling. Swallowing saliva may cause you to feel a lump in your throat, but swallowing food may ease it.

Because researchers do not know what causes globus sensation, it’s difficult to understand how to prevent it. Because of this, the best course of action is to take care of your throat as well as you can.

Follow these healthy throat tips to prevent possible issues with either globus sensation or other causes of having a lump in your throat:

Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated is good for more than your skin. It keeps fluids and secretions throughout your body moving properly.

Quit smoking

Your throat, sinuses, and mouth are greatly impacted if you use cigarettes and tobacco. Using any of these products increases your risk for many conditions, including cancer.

Rest your voice when you’re sick

When you have a cold or something more serious like laryngitis, rest your throat. The muscles inside your throat are already inflamed and sore from the illness. Using them too much can cause irreversible damage.

Employ lifestyle habits to avoid reflux

If the lump-in-throat sensation is caused by acid reflux, a few lifestyle habits may help ease the sensation. These habits include:

waiting at least 3 hours to lie down after eating
limiting or avoiding trigger foods, such as spicy or high fat foods
losing weight if your doctor has recommended it

Globus sensation can feel a little odd when it occurs, but for the most part, it’s a benign condition and there’s no need to worry.

However, if you find yourself feeling like there’s a lump in your throat often and it’s accompanied by other symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, pain, or a fever, it’s important to talk with a doctor immediately.

Here's What Causes a Lump in Your Throat and How to Treat It

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Muscle tension

Acid reflux

Stomach acid entering your esophagus can cause a feeling of muscle tension or swelling in your throat’s tissues. This may feel like a lump or blockage in your throat.

It’s also possible for reflux to push up into the larynx and pharynx, which can also create the globus sensation.

Postnasal drip

Emotional reactions

Stress, grief, anxiety, and pride are intense emotions that may trigger globus sensation. They can also make the feeling worse. Extreme fatigue may also cause this feeling.

It’s important to know that globus sensation is not dangerous, and it does not cause additional complications. That means contacting a doctor is often unnecessary.

For example, difficulty swallowing can be a sign of a larger problem and should be addressed immediately.

Seeing an ENT specialist

If you’re unsure of your symptoms and would like a clear diagnosis, make an appointment with a doctor. They may refer you to an otolaryngologist, or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.

This doctor will examine your mouth, nose, and throat. They will pass a flexible, ultrathin telescope with a light through your nose to see inside your sinuses and down into your throat

Globus sensation is benign. That means it’s not a serious condition and will not result in more serious complications.

However, some conditions may mimic globus sensation at first. In other words, the first symptoms may seem like globus sensation, but additional symptoms will appear eventually.

These symptoms include:

pain
difficulty swallowing or choking
a lump or mass that can be seen or felt
a fever
weight loss
muscle weakness

Globus sensation has no treatment. That’s because doctors and researchers are not sure what causes it, and in most people, the sensation goes away quickly.

But it’s important to know that if you experience this sensation from time to time, you’re not alone. This is a very common feeling, and it is not a sign of a more serious problem.

Some of the causes of the lump-in-throat feeling are treatable. If a doctor discovers that one of these conditions is responsible for your globus sensation, treatment may help ease the feeling.

Treatment for some common causes of feeling a lump in your throat include:

Muscle therapy

If muscle tension is causing the feeling, a doctor may refer you to a speech pathologist or physical therapist to learn how to ease the tightness when it occurs.

Nasal spray

The most common treatment for postnasal drip is a nasal spray.

Some other treatments include drinking plenty of fluid to keep the secretions thin and mobile. Over-the-counter (OTC) decongestants may also help remove the buildup and eliminate the drip.

Therapy

Antacids

Both OTC antacids and prescription reflux medications can help ease acid reflux. When this is treated, the sensation in your throat should ease.

Eating

Simply chewing and swallowing food may be all you need to ease the feeling. Swallowing saliva may cause you to feel a lump in your throat, but swallowing food may ease it.

Follow these healthy throat tips to prevent possible issues with either globus sensation or other causes of having a lump in your throat:

Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated is good for more than your skin. It keeps fluids and secretions throughout your body moving properly.

Quit smoking

Your throat, sinuses, and mouth are greatly impacted if you use cigarettes and tobacco. Using any of these products increases your risk for many conditions, including cancer.

Rest your voice when you’re sick

Employ lifestyle habits to avoid reflux

If the lump-in-throat sensation is caused by acid reflux, a few lifestyle habits may help ease the sensation. These habits include:

waiting at least 3 hours to lie down after eating
limiting or avoiding trigger foods, such as spicy or high fat foods
losing weight if your doctor has recommended it

Globus sensation can feel a little odd when it occurs, but for the most part, it’s a benign condition and there’s no need to worry.

Lump in the throat - the causes of occurrence, in what diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment

Diabetes mellitus

Angina

Tonsillitis

Epiglottitis

Pharyngitis

nine0002 Diffuse goiter

Thyroiditis

Tumor

Esophageal dyskinesia

19820 12 December

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor. nine0025 For a correct assessment of the results of your analyzes in dynamics, it is preferable to do studies in the same laboratory, since different laboratories may use different research methods and units of measurement to perform the same analyzes.

The sensation of a lump in the throat is not uncommon. Many have experienced this painless but uncomfortable condition at least once in their lives. In medical literature, it is referred to as the pharyngeal ball. In most cases, this symptom is not associated with serious diseases, however, an accurate answer can only be obtained after consulting a specialist, because there are a number of diseases that may be accompanied by a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. nine0003

Varieties

There is no generally accepted classification. It all depends on the reason that caused this condition.

Possible causes of sensation of a lump in the throat

Patients complaining of a lump in the throat can be divided into two groups: in some, this condition occurs due to neuropsychiatric disorders, while in others, the cause lies in somatic, that is, diseases directly related to internal organs. nine0003

Often, a feeling of a lump in the throat appears in people who are easily excitable, sensitive to stress and emotional upheavals. A lump in the throat has long been described by doctors as a symptom of a neurotic disorder, more often occurring in young women. However, at present, this condition occurs with equal frequency in people of both sexes.

If the feeling of a lump in the throat is constant and persists for several weeks, then first of all it is necessary to exclude oncopathology. This may be a malignant or benign process in the larynx, esophagus or other organs of the neck, causing compression of surrounding tissues. Particular attention should be shown if the patient complains of pain in the neck or when swallowing, fatigue, loss of appetite and body weight. nine0003

Infectious and inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs can also cause a pharyngeal ball.

Very often the sensation of a lump in the throat is associated with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

It is necessary to find out if the patient has symptoms such as heartburn, cough, sour belching, stomach pain and a feeling of heaviness after eating.

The sensation of a foreign body in the throat can be caused by thyroid disease. An increase in the volume of the gland is more often associated with a lack of iodine in the diet or with an autoimmune lesion (autoimmune thyroiditis). nine0003

Sometimes the feeling of a lump in the throat is caused by a decrease and even complete cessation of salivation.

This condition can occur in patients with diabetes mellitus, in women in menopause, with systemic autoimmune diseases.

Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck can also lead to discomfort and a sensation of a lump in the throat.

Difficulty in swallowing can sometimes occur due to osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. In this case, a person may be disturbed by headache, dizziness, pain in the neck, back, stiffness of movements. nine0003

Do not forget about the possible role of traumatic effects on tissues. Endoscopic examinations and even eating rough food can contribute to the appearance of discomfort in the throat.

Sensation of a lump in the throat is mainly accompanied by:

Diseases of the upper respiratory tract (tonsillitis, tonsillitis, epiglottitis, pharyngitis).
Diseases of the thyroid gland (endemic goiter, diffuse toxic goiter, autoimmune thyroiditis).
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Esophageal dyskinesia.
Heterotopia of the gastric mucosa.
Diseases of the endocrine system (diabetes mellitus, hormonal disorders).
Systemic autoimmune diseases (scleroderma, Sjögren's syndrome).
Psychological factors, stress. nine0069

Which doctors to contact

a general practitioner who, after examination, will be able to refer the patient to a narrow specialist, such as:

gastroenterologist;
otorhinolaryngologist;
endocrinologist;
oncologist;
neurologist;

Diagnostics

To clarify the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe the following types of examination:

Gastroscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy, endoscopy) for suspected gastroesophageal disease and esophageal dyskinesia.
Ultrasound of the thyroid gland, blood test for thyroid hormones.

Thyroid: screening

Up to 1 business day

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X-ray of the cervical spine.
Culture of upper respiratory tract discharge for microflora, determination of sensitivity to antimicrobial drugs and bacteriophages (in case of an infectious process, sputum culture and scraping of epithelial cells of the oropharynx may be required to identify the pathogen in order to prescribe adequate antibiotic therapy). nine0069

Culture of the upper respiratory tract for microflora, determination of sensitivity to antimicrobial drugs and bacteriophages (Upper Respiratory Culture, Routine. Bacteria Identification. Antibiotic Susceptibility and Bacteriophage Efficiency testing)

Synonyms: Upper Respiratory Culture, Routine. Bacteria Identification. Antibiotic Susceptibility and Bacteriophage Efficiency testing. Brief description of the study "Sowing the discharge of the upper respiratory tract on ...

Up to 6 business days

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Careful collection of anamnesis (history of the disease), taking into account the patient's complaints, examination and additional research will help the doctor make the correct diagnosis.

Treatment

Based on the cause of the feeling of lump in the throat, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate treatment. If the cause is psycho-emotional disorders, it is necessary to eliminate the traumatic factor, reduce stress at home and at work. You may need pharmacological therapy and consultations with a psychotherapist.

In case of diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease, a gastroenterologist will give recommendations on correcting the diet and diet, prescribe antacids to reduce stomach acidity and proton pump inhibitors that suppress the secretory function of the stomach. nine0003

In case of infection of the upper respiratory tract, an otorhinolaryngologist may prescribe local anti-inflammatory, antiseptic therapy and antibacterial drugs.

In case of thyroid diseases, an endocrinologist may recommend hormonal therapy, and in some cases, surgery.

What to do if you feel a lump in your throat

If the sensation of a lump in your throat is caused by stress, try to calm down. Drinking plenty of water can improve the condition. nine0003

Do not smoke, talk loudly, shout.

If the cause is gastroesophageal reflux disease, do not lie down immediately after eating.

Do not overeat, try to stick to fractional nutrition; The last meal should be 3 hours before bedtime.

Do not wear tight clothing and tight belts, corsets, bandages, leading to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. Stop smoking and drinking alcohol.

Sources:

Clinical guidelines "Acute tonsillitis and pharyngitis (Acute tonsillopharyngitis)". Developed by: National Medical Association of Otorhinolaryngologists, Interregional Public Organization "Alliance of Clinical Chemotherapists and Microbiologists", Union of Pediatricians of Russia, Interregional Association for Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Euro-Asian Society for Infectious Diseases. – 2021.
Clinical guidelines "Acute obstructive laryngitis [croup] and epiglottitis". Developed by: Union of Pediatricians of Russia, Interregional Association for Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, National Medical Association of Otorhinolaryngologists. – 2021.

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.
For a correct assessment of the results of your analyzes in dynamics, it is preferable to do studies in the same laboratory, since different laboratories may use different research methods and units of measurement to perform the same analyzes. nine0003

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Sensation of a lump in the throat - causes and treatment

Article

The feeling that something is stuck in the throat is familiar to everyone, although it is interpreted in different ways: unpleasant sensations, perspiration, lump in the throat, squeezing, etc. Often this sensation appears only in specific periods, but can also become a permanent phenomenon. In addition, a lump in the throat can be accompanied by problems with breathing and swallowing, which negatively affects the quality of life. nine0003

Symptoms and causes of a lump in the throat

Very often, along with a sensation of a lump in the throat, they complain of:

headache and dizziness;
feeling tired and weak;
hoarseness;
belching after eating;
stomach discomfort;
pain in the chest.

In general, the causes of such sensations are divided into 2 groups: psychogenic and somatic.

Very often it is psycho-emotional disorders that cause an unpleasant sensation of a lump in the throat, because nervous tension causes a spasm. This usually happens after stressful situations or protracted and unresolved problems. A person also has a feeling of anxiety, panic attacks, which are accompanied by a lack of air, poor sleep and a sharp change in mood. Therefore, a lump in the throat can be regarded as the first symptom of an anxiety or depressive disorder that needs to be consulted by a neurologist or psychiatrist. nine0003

Somatic causes include:

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract . The increased acidity of the stomach can cause acid to rise up the esophagus, which causes a sensation of coma and heartburn.
Chronic diseases of ENT organs . Tonsillitis and frontal sinusitis can cause inflammation of the mucous membrane, resulting in swelling, which causes a feeling of coma. A runny nose can also cause a lump in the throat when mucus builds up at the back of the throat. nine0069
Diseases of the thyroid gland.
Osteochondrosis and injuries of the cervical vertebrae.
Foreign body or swelling in the throat.

Diagnosis and treatment of a lump in the throat

First of all, if there is a sensation of a lump in the throat for a long time, you should consult a therapist. The doctor will conduct an examination, prescribe the necessary tests and refer you to a highly specialized specialist who specializes specifically in your problem. Most often, this is an otolaryngologist, endocrinologist, neurologist, gastroenterologist, oncologist or psychiatrist. nine0003

Seek medical attention immediately if:

You are unable to swallow due to a sore throat and lump.
Sensation of lump does not go away after swallowing or yawning.
You feel lumpy regularly.
In addition to coma, there is stomach pain or heartburn.
You have a fever.
Headache and high blood pressure.
Discomfort and pain in the neck and back.
Difficulty breathing due to coma.

Depending on the cause of the lump in the throat, the doctor will prescribe the necessary treatment. This can be manual therapy, physical activity, antibacterial drugs, rinsing, antispasmodics and, of course, a diet.

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