The most common reason for an individual to visit an ENT doctor is a lump in the throat. It causes discomfort and discomfort when swallowing. The causes of this phenomenon can be various pathologies, that is, the sensation of a foreign body in the pharynx is a consequence of certain disorders in the body. Quite often, a lump occurs in people suffering from hysteria, depression, neurasthenia.
General information
When a lump is felt in the throat, swallowing is disturbed, the throat is squeezed. Difficulty breathing appears, it seems that there is something foreign in the throat, saliva often has to be swallowed. These symptoms are formed in connection with the development of inflammation or neurotic disorders. During the examination, the doctor also reveals accompanying signs that indicate diseases, the consequence of which may be such a phenomenon. For example, flatulence, sour taste in the mouth, heartburn, nausea are symptoms of diseases of the digestive system. Cough, hyperthermia, chills, sore throat - inflammatory processes in the respiratory system. However, a lump in the pharynx does not always indicate any disease. He canbe a consequence:
- stress;
- fear;
- great fright;
- depression;
- confusion;
In these cases, the lower pharyngeal muscles tense up and create a sensation as if a lump is stuck in the throat. It usually goes away after a few hours. In addition, there are people with fairly frequent panic attacks, in which this phenomenon is considered the first sign of approaching panic.
Development mechanism
When you feel a foreign body in your throat, it becomes difficult to breathe and swallow. There are two development paths:
- Kom, which does not interfere with the usual things. In this case, an unpleasant sensation occurs after eating, and the patient can describe it.
- A lump that causes anxiety and fear of suffocation. This phenomenon is a consequence of a neurotic disorder.
Diagnosis
To make a diagnosis, patients may be assigned the following types of examinations:
- visual examination of the mouth, neck and lymph nodes;
- blood biochemistry, including hormones;
- general analysis of urine and blood;
- MRI neck;
- CT neck, chest, esophagus, thyroid gland;
- X-ray of the cervical region;
- Ultrasound of the neck and thyroid gland;
- Fibrogastroduodenoscopy.
For each specific patient, the doctor prescribes a certain number of studies depending on the symptoms.
Treatment
Therapy is prescribed depending oncauses of lump in throat. And treatment in the first place will be aimed at its elimination. In some cases, only surgery can help. For example, if the feeling of a coma is due to the pathology of the respiratory tract, then the doctor recommends gargling with solutions based on sea s alt, herbal preparations.
Infectious diseases are treated with antibacterial and other drugs that help relieve swelling and inflammation, remove pain and foreign body sensation in the throat. Panic and fear attacks can be de alt with by drinking fluids. Drink it slowly in small sips. Massage and sedatives are also recommended.
If the cause lies in diseases of a gastroenterological nature, then along with drug treatment, a certain diet recommended by the doctor is required. The daily diet should consist of light, pureed or pureed foods, steamed or baked without added fat. The interval between meals should not exceed three hours. The amount of liquid consumed is calculated individually depending on the weight of the individual.
Somatic causes
Unpleasant sensations in the throat are, as a rule, a consequence of endocrine, oncological or infectious pathology. The following diseases are the cause of the feeling of a lump in the throat:
- oncopathology;
- thyroid dysfunction;
- cold;
- gastroesophageal reflux;
- diaphragmatic hernia;
- allergy.
And also the cause may be intoxication of the body as a result of the use of a large number of drugs, i.e. irrational therapy. Untimely treatment of organic pathologies can lead to serious complications. For example, septic sore throat leads to:
- meningitis;
- sepsis;
- peritonsillar abscess;
- encephalitis.
Let's consider in more detail the clinic of some somatic diseases, the presence of which can cause discomfort in the throat area.
Infectious diseases
A characteristic sign of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract is the sensation of a lump in the throat and a feeling of squeezing. The causes of such phenomena is tissue edema. The danger lies in the fact that the patient's breathing becomes difficult and can lead to acute oxygen starvation. When the respiratory organs are affected by an infectious pathology caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi, the patient has the following manifestations:
- lymph nodes enlarge;
- mucous membrane in the oral and nasal cavity is edematous;
- tonsils are enlarged and turn purple;
- increased salivation;
- a lump in the throat is formed against the background of tonsillitis in the acute stage, pharyngitis and other diseases;
- suffers from dry cough;
- permanent sore throat;
- weakness;
- fatigue;
- headache.
Properly selected therapy significantly reduces the risk of developingcomplications.
Thyroid dysfunction
Dysfunction of this organ causes a lump in the throat. Hormonal failure, as well as an insufficient amount of iodine in the human body, contributes to an increase in the mass and volume of glandular tissues, which put pressure on the airways.
Such an uncomfortable feeling in the throat area can be a sign of the development of the following diseases:
- Diffuse goiter. This is an autoimmune pathology, which is accompanied by increased production of thyroid hormones. Clinical picture characteristic of Basedow's disease: tremor, weakness, bulging eyes, sweating, enlarged thyroid gland.
- Hyperthyroidism. Puffiness of the face is observed, the neck swells, swallowing saliva becomes painful, there is a feeling of squeezing the pharynx and a lump in the throat.
- Thyroiditis. The reproduction of pathogenic microflora contributes to inflammation in the tissues of the thyroid gland. Patients are concerned about discomfort in the throat, shortness of breath, irritability, fatigue, hoarseness.
Oncological diseases
Quite often this pathology occurs without any symptoms. With complaints of a dry cough, difficulty swallowing saliva, squeezing the throat, excluding other diseases, the doctor may suspect oncopathology. Provided that the tumor is benign and detected at an early stage, conservative treatment is prescribed. Obvious symptoms of cancer are hemoptysis, a feeling of coma and pressure.throat, and pain. The tumor is localized in the trachea or larynx. Due to the growth of epithelial cells, it becomes difficult for the patient to breathe, there is a high risk of suffocation. In such cases, surgery is indicated, followed by drug therapy.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The most common symptoms of this disease include:
- dizziness;
- pain in the occipital region, neck, head;
- tearing and squeezing throat;
- the patient has a fear that he might suffocate.
Depression often occurs against the background of these symptoms. In connection with the violation of the functions of the autonomic nervous system, the patient feels a lump in the throat. The reason for this phenomenon lies in the damage to the nerve fibers passing through the cervical spine and supplying the respiratory muscles. A sedentary lifestyle (physical inactivity), lack of calcium in the body, insufficient muscle tone, as well as bad habits contribute to the development of pathology. Therapy includes taking medications, physiotherapy exercises, physiotherapy procedures, massage. A course of acupuncture also gives a good effect.
Disruption of the digestive tract
If it seems that there is a constant lump in the throat, then most likely this is a violation of the function of the gastrointestinal tract. Pain in the right hypochondrium, frequent belching, nausea after eating, sour taste in the mouth, heartburn, and coughing also indicate this problem. Feelings of an unpleasant nature in the pharynx are caused by the penetration of the digestivejuice into the respiratory tract. Such symptoms are found under the following conditions:
- Gastritis is an inflammatory process in the gastric mucosa. It provokes the reflux of digestive juice into the upper parts of the esophagus and regurgitation of food debris.
- Esophageal hernia - the lower part of the esophagus protrudes into the chest cavity.
- Reflux esophagitis - this pathology is constantly repeated. It is characterized by the reflux of duodenal contents into the esophagus, as a result, it seems to the patient that he has a lump in his throat.
To solve the problem, you must follow the diet: exclude chocolate, coffee, carbonated drinks. Do not eat less than three hours before bedtime.
Allergic reactions
The cause of a lump in the throat may be an allergy provoked by the use of certain products, inhalation of polluted air, irrational medication, especially hormonal nature. A non-specific reaction of the body in the form of Quincke's edema provokes obstruction or obstruction of the respiratory system.
Next, there is a feeling of a foreign object in the throat area. Allergic symptoms are very similar to those of SARS. In the treatment, antihistamines and hormonal drugs are primarily prescribed, which relieve swelling. Next, anti-inflammatory therapy is prescribed and, if necessary, immunostimulating agents are connected.
Psychogenic causes of a lump in the throat. Treatment
Feeling of blockage in the throat is often caused by mental disorders. If the doctorduring the examination of the patient did not find somatic pathologies, then, probably, the reason lies in the violation of the psyche. They are provoked by stress, emotional and physical overload, constant anxiety, etc. Inconvenience in the airways appears unexpectedly. As a result, a panic attack develops. Therapy is carried out with tranquilizers, antidepressants, antipsychotics, as well as nootropics. It is possible to remove the sensation of a lump only by removing the traumatic factor.
A pregnant woman has a lump in her throat, what should I do?
There is such discomfort due to digestive tract dysfunction, emotional stress, hormonal changes, toxicosis and other factors. Basically, the sensation of a foreign body in the throat is formed as a result of a spasm of the muscles of the pharynx. Psychoemotional overload negatively affects the autonomic nervous system and provokes unpleasant consequences. Nevertheless, frequent recurrences of such a symptom is an indication for a visit to the doctor.
Reasons
Sore throat and lump in the throat are the most common complaints of women in position, the reasons for which:
- neurosis of the pharynx;
- toxicosis;
- cold;
- malfunction of the thyroid gland;
- gastroesophageal reflux.
There are quite a lot of factors that provoke discomfort in the throat while waiting for the baby. The causes of pathological changes in the upper respiratory tract are due to the following:
- heartburn;
- allergy;
- stress;
- tissue damage withmechanical nature.
Untimely medical care in such cases adversely affects the development of the fetus and the he alth of the expectant mother. Let us consider in more detail the reasons that contributed to the appearance of a lump in the airways.
Toxicosis
This is an inadequate response of a woman's body to the development of the fetus in the womb. The cause of intoxication lies in the lack of vitamins and minerals. Failure of metabolic processes leads to the production and accumulation in the blood of metabolic substances that have an aggressive effect, and as a result, vomiting and nausea occur. These signs usually disappear by the twelfth week of pregnancy. The sensation of a foreign body in the throat area occurs as a result of edema, the development of which is provoked by inflammation of the ciliated epithelium due to the reflux of digestive juice into the respiratory system due to frequent vomiting. To alleviate the condition, it is recommended to take a large amount of water, which should be drunk in small sips.
Neurosis of the pharynx
This pathology develops when the function of the central nervous system is impaired. Symptoms of the disease are manifested by a violation of swallowing, sensation of a foreign body in the larynx, perspiration, itching. Harbingers of pathological changes in pregnant women:
- stresses that are permanent;
- hysteria;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- permanent colds;
- displacement of the cervical vertebrae.
Women who are expecting for the first time are often diagnosed withneurasthenia, as a result, the sensitivity of the tissues of the pharynx increases. The presence of symptoms: a lump in the throat, headache, spasm of the larynx, a feeling of discomfort when swallowing - this is a reason to contact a neurologist in order to undergo a course of treatment.
Hypothyroidism
This disease is one of the causes of throat discomfort in a pregnant woman. As a result of the disease, the synthesis of thyroid hormones decreases, which leads to their decrease in the blood. As a result of a lack of iodine in the body of a pregnant woman, various physiological changes occur, leading to iodine deficiency. The following signs develop:
- neck swelling;
- swelling of limbs;
- increased gas formation;
- constipation;
- muscle weakness;
- pain in the abdomen;
- enlarged thyroid gland;
- feeling of pain and a lump in the throat.
Treatment with hormonal drugs is aimed at eliminating these symptoms. However, to avoid harm to the unborn baby, such therapy is started immediately after delivery.
Gastroesophageal reflux
During pregnancy, intragastric pressure increases, as a result of which gastric contents are ejected into the upper esophagus, which leads to the development of gastroesophageal reflux. The development of this pathology is facilitated by a violation of the process of emptying the intestines and a weakening of the muscle tissues of the esophageal sphincter. Against the background of the disease, the pregnant woman feels a lump in the throat. An increase in the size of the uterus favors an increase in intra-abdominal pressure,which leads to the reflux of digestive juice into the airways. The cellular tissue of the pharynx is injured under the influence of acids and a burn of the mucous membranes is formed. The clinical signs of this pathology are as follows:
- burp;
- lump in throat when swallowing;
- tickle;
- permanent cough;
- heartburn;
- mucous membranes are dry.
Prevention of constipation is an effective measure that prevents gastric juice from refluxing into the upper esophagus. By following a diet, a pregnant woman reduces the likelihood of discomfort in the throat.
Colds
The most common cause of feeling a lump in the throat of a pregnant woman in the early stages are respiratory diseases. Frequent relapses of the disease are associated with a decrease in immunity. Discomfort in the throat is caused by the following pathological conditions:
- tracheitis;
- laryngitis;
- pharyngitis;
- tonsillitis;
- flu;
- nasopharyngitis.
Clinical manifestations: fever, fatigue, drowsiness, pain when swallowing, enlargement of regional lymph nodes. How to treat a lump in the throat of a pregnant woman? The doctor prescribes treatment with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs that are approved for use by pregnant women and aimed at eliminating the disease that provoked discomfort in the pharynx. It must be remembered that improperly selected therapy can adversely affect the development of the fetus.
Prevention
In order not tothe question arose of how to get rid of a lump in the throat, you should pay attention to preventive measures:
- Maintain immunity. Observe the regime, engage in physical education, exclude smoking and drinking alcohol, take daily walks.
- Try to avoid stressful situations.
- Regularly moisten the nasal cavity with saline solution.
- Be less indoors with dry air.
- Timely treat diseases of the upper respiratory tract, thyroid gland, digestive tract.
It should be remembered that symptoms and diseases are easier to prevent than to treat. Proper diagnosis and identification of the cause of the pathology will help prescribe adequate therapy. Self-medication is fraught with negative consequences and serious complications.
