If you feel like something is stuck in your throat, it can be a cause of concern. This feeling can be uncomfortable and may even cause difficulty in swallowing. Fortunately, there are a variety of physical and psychological reasons behind why you might be feeling like something is stuck in your throat.
Physical Causes
Physical causes of the feeling of something stuck in your throat can range from mild to severe. Some of the most common causes include acid reflux, post-nasal drip, and allergies. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation. Post-nasal drip is when excess mucus accumulates in the back of the throat. Allergies can cause the throat to become inflamed and irritated, leading to difficulty swallowing. Other physical causes include muscle tension, poor posture, and dry mouth.
Psychological Causes
Psychological causes of the feeling of something stuck in your throat can also be a factor. Stress, anxiety, and depression are all known to cause physical sensations in the throat. In some cases, these feelings can be so intense that they lead to difficulty swallowing. People who suffer from panic attacks may also experience a feeling of something stuck in their throat.
The feeling of something stuck in your throat can be uncomfortable and can interfere with daily activities. If you are experiencing this feeling, it is important to seek medical attention so that you can get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. With the right medical care, it is possible to find relief from the feeling of something stuck in your throat.
According to medical experts, the medical term for the feeling that something is stuck in the throat is ‘globus sensation.’ Globus sensation is a common symptom that’s often diagnosed as stress, acid reflux, or an irritation of the throat’s mucous membrane.
In some cases, the feeling may result from a physical obstruction, such as a tumor or an object stuck in the esophagus. However, in most cases, the sensation is caused by psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety, or depression.
One possible cause of globus sensation is esophageal spasm, which is a condition characterized by involuntary muscle contractions in the esophagus. It can cause chest pain and the feeling that something is stuck in the throat. The condition often occurs after eating or drinking and is linked to muscle spasms.
Another possible cause of the sensation is GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). GERD is a digestive condition that occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the throat. This can cause a burning sensation in the chest, pain in the throat, a feeling of food sticking in the throat, and a general feeling of discomfort in the chest and throat area.
In some cases, globus sensation can be the result of an infection. If the throat is inflamed or infected, it can cause a burning sensation and the feeling that something is stuck in the throat. Some people may also experience difficulty swallowing or feel as if their throat is closing.
Finally, globus sensation may be caused by allergies or a reaction to certain medications. Allergic reactions can cause swelling in the throat and can make it difficult to swallow or feel like something is stuck. It’s important to speak to a doctor if you suspect allergies or a reaction to a medication, as they may be able to prescribe treatments to help alleviating symptoms.
In most cases, the sensation that something is stuck in the throat is not a cause for serious concern. The most common treatment for globus sensation is to reduce stress, relax the throat muscles, and improve diet and lifestyle. While it can be uncomfortable and disruptive, it’s generally not a medical emergency.