Customer question:
What causes a long-lasting lump in the throat? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
The prolonged feeling of a lump in the throat also called a globe sensation, can have several causes, including physical and psychological factors.
Some common causes include:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Acid reflux from the stomach into the esophagus can cause throat irritation, inflammation, and a lump in the throat.
- Muscle tension: Excessive muscle tension in the neck and throat caused by stress or anxiety can cause a lump in the throat.
- Anxiety and stress: Psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, and stress can cause a feeling of anxiety in the throat and a lump in the throat.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions to environmental stimuli can cause irritation and inflammation of the mucous membrane in the throat and the feeling of a lump.
- Thyroid problems: Certain conditions, such as thyroid disease, can cause the thyroid gland to enlarge, which can put pressure on the throat and cause a lumpy feeling.
- Enlargement of the thyroid gland or thyroid nodules: Physical changes such as an enlargement of the thyroid gland or thyroid nodules can cause pressure on the throat and a lumpy feeling.
Can a lump in the throat be a symptom of an enlarged thyroid gland?
Yes, a lump in the throat can sometimes indicate a thyroid problem, significantly if it is associated with other symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, neck pain, weight changes, or visible changes in the neck area. An enlarged thyroid gland (also known as a goiter) can put pressure on neighboring structures, including the throat, which can cause a lump or discomfort in the throat.
Why do I feel a lump in my throat when I swallow food?
If you feel a lump in your throat when you swallow food, it can be due to several different causes, which include:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): If you have GERD, stomach contents, including acid, can back up into your esophagus, which can cause throat irritation, inflammation, and a lumpy feeling.
- Muscle tension: Excessive muscle tension in the neck and throat, caused by stress or anxiety, can cause a lump, especially when swallowing food.
- Throat obstruction: Any obstruction or narrowing in the throat can cause a feeling of a lump or difficulty swallowing food. It can also be caused by benign or malignant tumors, narrowing of the esophagus, or other conditions.
- Allergies: if you have allergies, allergens in food or the environment can irritate the mucous membrane in the throat and cause a lumpy feeling.
- Psychological factors: anxiety, depression, and stress can affect the sensations in the throat while swallowing food.
Also, check more about a lump in the throat.
Interesting reading: Mucus accumulation in the esophagus
Interesting reading: Reflux and lump in the throat