That Lump in Your Throat May Be Acid Reflux
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There is a very common condition called globus pharyngis that is best described as feeling like there is a lump in your throat. Though this condition can be caused by many different factors, acid reflux is one of the leading causes of globus pharyngis.
Forty five percent of the population will experience globus pharyngis at some time or another in their lives. It can feel either like a solid lump or ball in the throat, or as fullness in the throat, close to the area of the cervical esophagus. The strange thing about gobus pharyngis is that though there is a specific, definable sensation to the individual sufferer, there is no detectable abnormality in the throat when examined by a doctor.
Currently no single explanation has been accepted as actually causing the globus sensation, however, GERD or acid reflux is among the leading factors attributed to its existence. Other suspect conditions are hypertensive upper esophageal sphincter pressure, sinusitis, overclosure of the bite, anterior cervical osteophytes, and certain psychological disorders.
Therefore, to treat globus pharyngis, doctors must systematically eliminate each of the potential causes through several forms of examination. This often includes a thorough ear nose and throat examination using an esophagoscopy (a small instrument with a light and camera that is inserted into the throat). It may also require a Barium swallow or counseling services.
In the case of acid reflux causing globus pharyngis, it is much more common in women than in men (though it is not unusual for men to experience it), and usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 60. Men who do suffer from globus pharyngis will often also have a mild case of dysphagia, which is the feeling of food getting stuck in the throat. More rarely, men will present with a severe case of dysphagia along with the globus pharyngis. Young men are more likely to suffer from both conditions at the same time.
Among the most effective treatment for the globus pharyngis condition are counseling – to let the patient know that everything is alright and that they’re not choking and their lives are not in any danger. Furthermore, treatment with rigid esophagoscopies will often ease if not eliminate the sensation.
To prevent the recurrence of globus pharyngis, treatment of GERD is recommended, as it is likely to be the cause in the first place. Speak to your doctor about your acid reflux and globus pharyngis symptoms to create a practical prevention strategy that can be worked into your lifestyle.
This will include instructions regarding changes to your diet both when you’re preparing your foods at home and when you’re eating out at restaurants, cafes, etc. You will likely be required to include some new foods into your diet, while reducing others that cause acid production to increase in your stomach, such as alcohol. You will also benefit from eating frequent, smaller meals throughout the day, instead of fewer large meals which cause your stomach to fill up and more acid to be produced, increasing the risk of reflux.
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I have suffered from the “lump in the throat” as well as persistent coughing due to that feeling that there was something stuck in my throat! My doctor diagnosed me with LPRD, Laryngo Pharangeal Reflux Disease.
Hello Kathryn,
I suffer from GERD. Every now and then, I do experience the feeling as though something is stock in my throat. Most times when this occurs when I ate a good amount of food. I really found this article interesting and educational.
why is it that my voice was affected?i cant speak loud because my voice is not good…is there any simple treatment for this?
Hi Jane - a hoarse or weak voice can be caused by refluxed acid reaching the vocal cords. If you haven’t received a confirmed diagnosis that acid reflux is the cause I strongly suggest you visit your doctor. Should it be refluxed acid causing your voice problems, here are a few quick tips to help control it:
- Eat little and often, rather than 3 large meals a day
- Sip water throughout the day
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, spicy and acidic foods
- Elevate the head of your bed to reduce reflux while sleeping
- Lose weight if you’re carrying any extra pounds
- Start a regular exercise program that is suitable for you.
There are many more simple lifestyle changes and a whole host of natural remedies on this site. Have a browse through the posts for more information.
I was diagnosed with LPR since last year june. Symptoms include a burning sensation at the neck towards the ear area. Swallowing becomes quite an uncomfortable feeling. At times the feeling of something “stuck” in the throat is there. Voice can be weak. I realized that trying to heal it back to normal is almost an impossible task. With medication and other natural and holistic methods help tremendously but until today my throat has not return to its “normal” condition.
dear madam,
i recently has esophigscoyis done, the result is a pre cancer,,,,i am very worried,,,can you help with natural remedy as food, or others to stop progrese. thanks,,,,suzanne
Suzanne -
There a quite a few posts and tips on this blog that should help you out.
If you click on the “sample newsletter archives” you will see the previous posts, many of which cover foods and natural methods to help with acid reflux.
Hi Kathryn, I have been feeling this pains on my chest and upper abdomen for almost two years now and various efforts and tests have not been helpful. Various tests for ulcer and medications have proved negative. Recently, I started feeling pains on my back, neck, hands, legs/toes. What should I do? I am confused. A doctor has suggested heart disease.
Uche -
All I can suggest is that you push for a formal diagnosis as quickly as you can. Especially if there is even a hint that the problem may be related to heart disease.