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What Causes Discomfort While Swallowing And Pressure In Throat?
Question: I have pressure in my throat - no pain - just discomfort. Swallowing and breathing unaffected. I have had these symptons for many years but they have increased recently. What is the cause?
Brief Answer:
Need to go in to doctor.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Some things we are able to diagnose without an exam, but this problem requires an exam. It's possible that structures in your neck have enlarged, for example your thyroid gland. Also some of the lymph nodes in your neck, or submandibular salivary gland may have enlarged, putting pressure on your neck.
It's also possible that there is drainage from your sinuses that are causing inflammation inside your throat.
I think it would be best for you to go in to your doctor and for at least 2 things to happen in his or her exam:
1. Palpation of all the externally palpable structures of the neck. This includes the thyroid gland, certain salivary glands, and lymph nodes.
2. Indirect laryngoscopy. This is a simple procedure which can be easily done in the doctor's office. A small round mirror with a long handle, like is used by your dentist, is held in your mouth with the mirror facing down at the back of your mouth, and a light shined at the mirror. This will allow your doctor to view your vocal chords. It doesn't hurt, and no tubes are passed down. You just say "aaah" for a long time.
I hope this information helps. I do think it is important to go and get checked out.
Need to go in to doctor.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Some things we are able to diagnose without an exam, but this problem requires an exam. It's possible that structures in your neck have enlarged, for example your thyroid gland. Also some of the lymph nodes in your neck, or submandibular salivary gland may have enlarged, putting pressure on your neck.
It's also possible that there is drainage from your sinuses that are causing inflammation inside your throat.
I think it would be best for you to go in to your doctor and for at least 2 things to happen in his or her exam:
1. Palpation of all the externally palpable structures of the neck. This includes the thyroid gland, certain salivary glands, and lymph nodes.
2. Indirect laryngoscopy. This is a simple procedure which can be easily done in the doctor's office. A small round mirror with a long handle, like is used by your dentist, is held in your mouth with the mirror facing down at the back of your mouth, and a light shined at the mirror. This will allow your doctor to view your vocal chords. It doesn't hurt, and no tubes are passed down. You just say "aaah" for a long time.
I hope this information helps. I do think it is important to go and get checked out.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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