What Causes Tightness In The Throat?

Posted on Thu, 16 Jun 2016

Question: have a feeling of tightness across my throat... not IN my throat, but across it, on the outside, almost as if I have a shirt with a tight collar on pulled high on my neck. This is not painful in any way. it doesn't stop me from eating, drinking, etc. but distracting, and becoming increasingly so. I believe it's becoming more pronounced gradually, but I may just be becoming more aware of it.
It began 10 days ago.
I am otherwise healthy. I am vegetarian, eat plenty of plant-based protein. Not overweight at all although I am a bit heavier than previous years, by perhaps 5 lbs. but I attribute that to age and a bit less active life style. I will be 43 in a month. Very high stress job, but this did not come during a time of unusual stress or wax/ wane.

Answered by Dr. Shuba hariprasad (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Thyroid enlargement

Detailed Answer:
Hello Ms. XXXX,
Thank you for your query.
I'm Dr. Shuba Hariprasad and will be answering your query today.

Based on your description, it seems to be an enlargement of the thyroid gland.

I would:
- get a detailed medical and personal history
- do a clinical examination to see if for any enlarged glands or structures in the area you specified.
- do an ultrasound or MRI, if clinically indicated.

Please monitor the symptoms and look for any asymmetry in your throat while swallowing. Do this in front of a mirror in a well lit room.
I recommend that you see your physician to have it checked out.
If it is the thyroid,you will need a few blood tests (TSH, Thyroid antibodies, free T3, free T4) to check for thyroid hormone imbalances.

Based on the results, an appropriate treatment plan will be administered.

Hope this helps.
Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Wish you good health

Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad