How to get rid of the feeling of something stuck in your throat?

An estimated 45% of the population experiences the feeling of a lump in their throat at some point, a benign condition often called globus sensation. If you're wondering how to get rid of the feeling of something stuck in your throat, understanding its various triggers is the first step toward finding relief.

Quick Summary

Address the feeling of something stuck in your throat by staying hydrated, managing stress, and treating underlying issues like acid reflux or postnasal drip. Home remedies like steam inhalation and relaxation exercises can provide temporary relief, but persistent symptoms warrant a medical consultation to identify the root cause.

Key Points

• Hydration is key: Regularly sipping water can help relax throat muscles and ease the sensation temporarily.

• Stress is a major factor: Managing anxiety and stress through relaxation techniques is crucial for long-term relief from globus sensation.

• Avoid irritating triggers: Reducing caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and quitting smoking can minimize throat irritation caused by reflux or other issues.

• Distinguish from dysphagia: Unlike dysphagia, globus sensation does not cause actual difficulty or pain when swallowing food or liquids.

• Know when to seek help: Persistent symptoms, or those accompanied by weight loss or true difficulty swallowing, require a doctor's evaluation.

• Try steam inhalation: Breathing in warm, moist air from a shower or bowl of water can soothe and relieve a tight throat.

Understanding Globus Sensation

Globus sensation, or globus pharyngeus, is the persistent feeling of a lump, fullness, or tightness in the throat, even though there is no physical blockage. This condition can be quite alarming, but it is typically not dangerous and often relates to muscle tension or irritation. It's important to distinguish this from true dysphagia, which is an actual difficulty swallowing food or liquids. Swallowing food or drinking liquids often provides temporary relief from globus, a key indicator that the sensation is not a physical obstruction. Recognizing this difference can reduce anxiety surrounding the symptom and help guide the best course of action.

Common Causes of the Sensation

Several factors can contribute to the feeling of a lump in the throat. Understanding the cause is crucial for effective management and relief.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid from the stomach can flow back up into the esophagus and throat, causing irritation and inflammation. This can make the throat muscles sensitive and contribute to the globus sensation. Often, managing GERD with lifestyle changes and medication can significantly reduce or eliminate the feeling.
• Stress and Anxiety: The mind-body connection is powerful. When under stress or experiencing anxiety, throat muscles can tense up, leading to a constricted feeling. Holding back emotions like grief or sadness can also manifest as this physical sensation.
• Postnasal Drip: Excess mucus from allergies or a sinus infection can drip down the back of the throat, causing a feeling of thickness or a lump. This constant irritation can lead to the unpleasant sensation.
• Inflammation: Infections like tonsillitis or pharyngitis can cause swelling and irritation in the throat, triggering the globus feeling. Chronic irritation from smoking or vaping can also be a factor.
• Muscle Tension: The cricopharyngeal muscle, located at the top of the esophagus, can sometimes go into a spasm or remain too tight. This tension can result from vocal strain, stress, or even constantly clearing the throat.

Immediate Relief Techniques

For those moments when the sensation is most bothersome, these immediate techniques can offer comfort and help relax the throat muscles.

1. Sip water frequently. Taking small, consistent sips of water can help relax the throat muscles and moisten the area, providing immediate, though often temporary, relief.
2. Yawn widely. Yawning can stretch and relax the muscles in the throat. Make the motion exaggerated to maximize the effect.
3. Steam inhalation. Breathing in steam from a bowl of hot water or a shower can soothe irritated throat tissues and reduce the perception of a lump.
4. Avoid aggressive throat clearing. While the urge to clear your throat is strong, this action only increases irritation and can worsen the sensation. Instead, try a gentle, effortful swallow or sip water.
5. Distraction. Since stress and focus can intensify the feeling, engaging in a distracting activity can help your mind move past the sensation. Listening to music, talking to a friend, or watching a movie are good options.

A Comparison of Globus Sensation vs. Dysphagia

Knowing the difference between globus and true swallowing difficulties is key to knowing when to seek professional help.

Feature	Globus Sensation (Globus Pharyngeus)	Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing)
Feeling	A lump, tightness, or fullness in the throat.	Sensation of food or liquid getting physically stuck.
Swallowing	Not typically affected. Swallowing often provides relief.	Swallowing is difficult, painful, or impossible.
Cause	Often functional, related to stress, GERD, or muscle tension.	Can be caused by a physical obstruction or a muscular/neurological disorder.
Pain	Not painful.	Can be painful (odynophagia).
Location	Typically felt in the throat or neck area.	Can be felt anywhere along the path from mouth to stomach.

Lifestyle and Long-Term Management

For persistent cases, addressing underlying causes through lifestyle modifications and therapies can provide lasting relief.

Manage Acid Reflux (GERD)

If reflux is the cause, consider these dietary and lifestyle changes:

• Elevate the head of your bed to prevent acid from coming up at night.
• Avoid trigger foods like spicy, fatty, acidic, and fried foods.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of three large ones.
• Wait at least 2-3 hours after eating before lying down.
• If overweight, losing excess weight can reduce pressure on the abdomen.

Implement Stress Reduction Techniques

• Deep Breathing Exercises: Focus on breathing slowly and deeply from your diaphragm to calm your nervous system and relax tense muscles.
• Mindfulness and Meditation: Regularly practicing mindfulness can help you become more aware of your body and reduce overall anxiety.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A therapist can help you develop coping strategies for stress and anxiety, which can reduce the physical symptoms they cause.

Other Supportive Measures

• Voice Therapy: A speech-language pathologist can teach you specific exercises to relax throat and neck muscles.
• Hydration: Maintain good hydration throughout the day, not just when the sensation occurs.
• Quit Smoking: Tobacco use severely irritates the throat lining and should be stopped to promote healing.

When to See a Doctor

While most cases of globus are harmless, certain signs warrant medical attention to rule out more serious conditions. You should see a doctor if your feeling of something stuck in your throat is accompanied by:

• Persistent pain in your throat or neck.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Difficulty swallowing solids or liquids (dysphagia).
• Painful swallowing (odynophagia).
• A palpable mass or lump in the neck.
• Hoarseness or voice changes that last more than a couple of weeks.

A doctor, and potentially an ENT specialist, can perform an examination, including a laryngoscopy, to check for any physical abnormalities. In some cases, imaging tests like a barium swallow may be used to evaluate the esophagus. The diagnostic process will lead to a targeted treatment plan for your specific situation. This may include medication for acid reflux, specific therapies for muscle tension, or other interventions.

Conclusion

While the feeling of something stuck in your throat can be uncomfortable and unsettling, for many people, it is a benign condition known as globus sensation. Addressing potential underlying causes such as GERD, stress, or postnasal drip is the most effective approach to finding lasting relief. Simple at-home strategies like staying hydrated, managing anxiety, and avoiding irritants can also make a significant difference. However, it is crucial to pay attention to your body and consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or are accompanied by red flag symptoms like difficulty swallowing or weight loss. By taking a proactive approach, you can understand and manage this sensation effectively.

For more detailed information on related conditions, you can consult an authoritative source like the Cleveland Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference between globus sensation and having something actually stuck?

Globus sensation is the feeling of a lump, but there is no physical obstruction; swallowing is not truly impaired. When something is actually stuck (dysphagia), you experience genuine difficulty or pain while swallowing.

Can anxiety cause a feeling of something stuck in your throat?

Yes, anxiety and stress are common causes of globus sensation. The physical tension that results from stress can cause throat muscles to tighten, creating the feeling of a lump.

How can I tell if acid reflux is causing the feeling?

If your globus sensation is accompanied by heartburn, a sour taste in your mouth, or worsens after meals or when lying down, acid reflux is a likely culprit. Treating the reflux often resolves the sensation.

Are there specific foods I should avoid?

If you suspect acid reflux is the cause, try limiting acidic, spicy, and fatty foods, as well as caffeine and alcohol. These can irritate the esophagus and trigger the sensation.

What are some simple home remedies for immediate relief?

For immediate relief, try sipping water, yawning widely to stretch throat muscles, or inhaling steam. Avoiding aggressive throat clearing is also helpful, as it can worsen irritation.

When should I be concerned and see a doctor?

You should see a doctor if the sensation is accompanied by pain, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or a visible lump. These could indicate a more serious underlying condition.

Can postnasal drip cause the feeling of something stuck in the throat?

Yes, excess mucus from allergies or sinus issues can drip down the back of your throat, causing irritation and a buildup that feels like a lump or blockage.