Lump in throat feeling

What is it?

A lump in the throat can be described as a persistent feeling of an obstruction in the throat, a specifically irritating feeling of having something in your throat and not being able to swallow to make it go away. It can be accompanied by mild pain or a burning feeling. As a result, there can be the tendency to constantly clear your throat, to cough or to swallow.

Causes

The following are potential causes:

• inflammation of the throat/larynx due to burning stomach acid (reflux)
• enlarged thyroid
• muscle tension at the level of the uppermost sphincter (oesophageal sphincter)
• muscular tension in the neck
• stress and anxiety
• improper voice use
• nose problems such as post-nasal drip (mucous that drops down from the nose to the throat)
• Zenker's diverticulum

Diagnosis

Given that there are various causes, your physician will prepare a tailored and individual treatment plan for you.

Treatment

Possible supplemental examinations:

• flexibile endoscopy of the nose/sinuses and throat, which allows for visualisation of anatomical abnormalities and swelling
• neck palpation of the muscles and the thyroid
• swallowing study during which you swallow a liquid contrast agent to visualise the swallow trajectory
• speech therapy examination
• possible examination of the stomach and oesophagus

Latest publication date: 13/12/2023
Supervising author: Dr Vermeiren Judith