Feels Like Something Is Stuck In My Throat: Understanding Common Causes

Have you ever experienced that nagging sensation where it feels like something is stuck in my throat? Whether it’s a fleeting discomfort or a persistent irritation, this unsettling feeling can leave you searching for answers. From harmless causes like stress or a dry throat to more serious conditions requiring medical attention, understanding the reasons behind this sensation is crucial. In this post, we’ll explore what might be causing it and when to seek professional help.

Feels Like Something Is Stuck In My Throat: Here Are Your Culprits

If you have been questioning for many days why you woke up feeling like something is stuck in your throat, this could be a sign of a problem in your food pipe (esophagus). It is essential to understand the causes for which you need to consult the doctors as soon as possible. Here, we have also listed some culprits that can be the root causes:

1. Dysphagia

Dysphagia is a term that defines the feeling of difficulty in swallowing anything. There can be many factors contributing to this discomfort. If the reason is food being stuck in the throat, this condition is called food obstruction. When dysphagia happens due to food obstruction, though people can still breathe, it becomes uncomfortable, painful, and potentially risky sometimes.

Different people express this condition differently. For instance, some identify what recently they ate that got stuck in a food pipe. Few individuals might feel an irritating lump in the chest or throat.

Some even describe challenges in swallowing their saliva. There might be the chance that food gets out of the esophagus and moves to the windpipe, leading to "choking," which can be dangerous. It might need medical care to get rid of it safely.

2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

If there is a feeling like something stuck in your throat and it's not choking, the signs can be Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Research says 23% and 68% of the people struggling with Globus sensation are due to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). It is generally a severe type of acid reflux, where all stomach content travels back to the food pipe (esophagus) and causes irritation.

It can lead to extreme cough or distress feeling that something is stuck in your throat. Sometimes, the symptoms include heartburn (burning sensation in the chest) or indigestion issues due to the stomach acids that upset the esophagus.

You can also feel lumps in your throat and trouble swallowing food. So, avoiding acidic or fatty foods or eating small meals is better, but if the symptoms last for days, seek professional help.

3. Globus Pharyngeus

Globus Pharyngeus is the condition in which a person might continuously feel like something is stuck in the chest or throat, but there is no idea how it happens. Some people feel like they swallowed a pill and it stuck halfway down the food pipe, which is not painful but can be annoying and uncomfortable. It can make people keep trying to cough to clear their throat to ease the discomfort, which, as a result, can lead to irritation.

Sometimes, this condition lasts long, and you might need medical help to figure out what is wrong with your food pipe (esophagus). Using an endoscopic method, doctors insert a camera-attached flexible tube through your mouth to look inside your throat. This will help you know any of the potential reasons. Sometimes, even a tiny piece of food can make you feel like something huge is caught in your food pipe.

4. Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis leads to hurting and swelling of the tonsils, and your throat may feel extremely sore. Sometimes, your throat and neck lymph nodes also swell up.

It can make you have difficulty swallowing anything, causing your throat to feel stuck. As a result, tonsillitis contributes to several health issues, such as fever, hoarse voice, red throat, headache, bad breath, and yellowish or white spots on the throat. You can treat tonsillitis with salt water gargles, warm liquids, and throat lozenges if the cause is viral throat infection.

However, if a bacterial infection causes it, you might be recommended some medication by the doctors. If the condition worsens, tonsil removal treatment is the only option.

How To Relieve The Feeling Of Something Stuck In Throat At Home?

If you persistently feel like something is stuck in your throat, you can relieve the sensation and soothe your throat muscles by treating the symptoms at home. These are some practical ways to reduce the discomfort:

• Swallow your food with or without water when your throat feels irritated.

• Do yawn often by opening your mouth widely.

• Move your jaws up and down and open your mouth in a gap of at least 2 fingers.

• Move your shoulders up to your ears, hold in the same position, then release, and repeat the same process.
• Gently and slowly turn your head to the left, bring your head back to the center, and then drop your chin to your chest. Repeat the same process for the right side at least 4 times.
• Lower your head to your chest and open your mouth. While keeping the mouth open, smoothly roll your head in a circular motion. Repeat the same process in another direction.

Summing Up

Experiencing a sensation that feels like something is stuck in my throat can be unsettling, but understanding its potential causes and remedies is the first step toward relief. Whether it's a minor issue like acid reflux or a more serious underlying condition, timely attention, and appropriate care can make all the difference. Always prioritize your health and consult a medical professional if the sensation persists or worsens—your well-being matters.

Also Read: How To Dislodge Food Stuck In Esophagus?