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What Causes Feeling Of Lump Like Sensation In Throat?

Posted on Tue, 14 Jul 2015

Question: Hi,

I started with strep throat..two rounds of it with anitbiotics, but was very stressed at work. Later I realised I had a lump like sensation in my throat. My ENT couldn't find anything, but will send me to have my thyroid check. From everything i have read, I could have cricopharangeal spasm. I have had many neck problems before, and also sudden hearing loss for 4 months due to an inflammation in my neck. What do you think ? What can they do for this? It happens daily, for about 22 days, and it gets worse at night. I get great relief from valium..and I just want to find an answer :(

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Laryngopharyngeal reflux....

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

After going through the history I am of the opinion that you could be suffering from Laryngopharyngeal reflux secondary to acid reflux disease.

This happens when the acid fron the stomach regurgitates into the throat causing burning of the mucosa. Following which, the mucosa swells giving rise to sensation of foreign body in the throat. This particularly worsens during the night because of the supine posture and easy flow of the gastric contents from the stomach into the throat. Anxiety, altered food habits and the medications taken can add on to the assault.

My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink plenty of warm water
2. Try taking proton pump inhibitors such as Pantoperazole or Esomeprazole.
3. A prokinetic such as metachlopramide will be beneficial.
4. Avoid chilled food and beverages/anxiety/coffee & tea/smoking/ fizzy drinks.
5. Take light food during the night.
6. Give a gap of at least 1 hour before retiring to bed after dinner.

Hope this answers your query; I'll be available for the follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (38 hours later)

Except..
I don't have any acid reflux..ever.
I have had neck pain/inflammation?

would Cyclobenzaprine work?
What I think, is that maybe it is

cricopharangeal spasm.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Cyclobenzaprine may not be helpful...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back

When we doctors try to make a diagnosis of any condition we usually suspect the commonest condition depending upon the symptoms. Hence, my first diagnosis was Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). LPR is also know as silent reflux where the actual symptoms of acidity are not preceived.

Cricopharyngeal spasm is a rare condition and it's very difficult to diagnose. Esophageal manometry has to be done to confirm the diagnosis.

I have my own doubts regarding the benefits of cyclobenzaprine in treating this condition. It's more beneficial in treating muscle spasms secondary to acute injury. Whereas cricopharyngeal spasms may be due to neuromuscular incoordination during anxiety and stress.

Consult an apt ENT specialist for a complete evaluation and management.

Hope I have cleared your doubts.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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. Raju A.T