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Does Tonsil Stones Cause A Feeling Of Something Stuck In Throat?
Question: Hi...For 2 weeks I've had a feeling of something stuck in my throat. I think I am over obsessing about it cause I tend to do that. It feels like a tonsil stone. Can they get lodged in your throat to where you can't see them?
Brief Answer:
You should get examined since two weeks have passed without relief.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. It is unusual for a foreign body to be stuck in the throat for so long. Most abrasions or lacerations would also have healed in two weeks. Hence this foreign body sensation must be investigated. I am assuming that the coughing, retching and use of the finger down the throat is not violent enough to cause further irritation of the throat and hence a foreign body sensation.
2. A set of X-rays of the Neck and a simple VideoLaryngoScopy (VL'Scopy) will help you settle the issue.
3. If the VL'Scopy does not detect any foreign body, any swelling or inflammation as compared to the normal side, A CT Scan and an examination under anesthesia can be done. An un-displaced tonsil stone should be visible with a tongue depressor and a headlight.
4. Since you have no major symptoms, you may chose to avoid this check-up for another a few days with medication and gargles. It is, however, advisable to get a medical opinion. It is not the fact that a piece of a tonsil stone or a foreign body might be stuck in the throat, or an inflammation be missed, but the fact that it may get aspirated suddenly into the airway.
If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
You should get examined since two weeks have passed without relief.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. It is unusual for a foreign body to be stuck in the throat for so long. Most abrasions or lacerations would also have healed in two weeks. Hence this foreign body sensation must be investigated. I am assuming that the coughing, retching and use of the finger down the throat is not violent enough to cause further irritation of the throat and hence a foreign body sensation.
2. A set of X-rays of the Neck and a simple VideoLaryngoScopy (VL'Scopy) will help you settle the issue.
3. If the VL'Scopy does not detect any foreign body, any swelling or inflammation as compared to the normal side, A CT Scan and an examination under anesthesia can be done. An un-displaced tonsil stone should be visible with a tongue depressor and a headlight.
4. Since you have no major symptoms, you may chose to avoid this check-up for another a few days with medication and gargles. It is, however, advisable to get a medical opinion. It is not the fact that a piece of a tonsil stone or a foreign body might be stuck in the throat, or an inflammation be missed, but the fact that it may get aspirated suddenly into the airway.
If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
It is not preventing me from eating at all. I am also having indigestion. My anxiety is really high too. Could this be anxiety related?
Brief Answer:
Acid reflux can cause similar sensations.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Yes, this may be the case.
2. However, there us no harm in getting non-invasive and simple investigations such as Neck X-rays and a VL'Scopy done since two weeks have passed.
3. Acid reflux can cause similar sensations, but there will be signs on the VL'Scopy.
4. Upload the findings here or directly at bit.ly/Dr-Sumit-Bhatti
If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Acid reflux can cause similar sensations.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Yes, this may be the case.
2. However, there us no harm in getting non-invasive and simple investigations such as Neck X-rays and a VL'Scopy done since two weeks have passed.
3. Acid reflux can cause similar sensations, but there will be signs on the VL'Scopy.
4. Upload the findings here or directly at bit.ly/Dr-Sumit-Bhatti
If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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