The feeling of a lump in the throat is one of the most common complaints of people, especially in winter, that period where respiratory diseases appear more frequently due to low temperatures.
And when it comes to the respiratory system, in addition to being essential for the proper functioning of this system, the throat is an area that, at the slightest sign of abnormality, deserves some attention.
This is because throat pains, even though they are very characteristic of this season, can be a warning sign of a slightly more serious problem, and being aware of these symptoms and being aware of the best measures is super valid.
So get to know from now on, everything you need to know to treat or even avoid this disorder.
Will you join me?
What is the feeling of a lump in the throat?
To understand everything correctly, we need to know more about this subject part by part, from its definition, through the causes to the main care for prevention and treatment.
See each part…
First of all, the feeling of a lump in the throat is basically a very common discomfort that sometimes happens to us. Although initially it does not represent anything serious, like any other novelty in our body, we need to pay attention and even take some care.
Most of the time these discomforts are caused mainly by throat clearing which is a secretion that occurs in the region of the vocal folds and that cause some difficulty in breathing.
However, other specific symptoms such as inflammations due to low immunity, among others, may also appear.
See the main causes…
Causes of the feeling of a lump in the throat
With the exception of throat clearing, which is the most common cause, the causes can be numerous such as: tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, allergies, flu infections and even excessive use of the voice.
However, among the most frequent causes are:
- Anxiety and stress;
- Gastroesophageal reflux;
- Thyroid problems;
- Cancer.
Anxiety and stress
Did you know that the feeling of a lump in the throat can also be the result of emotional imbalance?
You can bet it can!
Emotions interfere a lot in our health in general and one of the most common symptoms is precisely this feeling of a lump in the throat.
In addition to the well-known tightness in the chest and nausea that characterize emotional instability, muscle tension in the throat region is the most present consequence of the process of anxiety and stress.
Gastroesophageal reflux
Often mentioned when we talk about problems related to the throat and affecting approximately ¼ of the Brazilian population, according to recent research, gastroesophageal reflux is one of the main causes of the feeling of a lump in the throat.
It is an involuntary and sometimes repetitive return of the gaseous, liquid and solid content of the stomach to the esophagus that in addition to this feeling of a lump, causes burning and pain.
But, this can be reversed from a change in diet and daily routine, in addition to the evaluation of a specialist.
Thyroid problems
Another cause that can be the reason for the feeling of a lump in the throat are thyroid problems or, as they are better known, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
This is because, these problems that are originated by the alteration in the thyroid gland that is located in the neck region, cause discomfort in this region due to its increase.
In cases of suspected thyroid alteration, the ideal is to seek a specialist to treat with the appropriate therapy and inhibit more serious problems that may arise in the future.
Cancer
And speaking of something more serious, cancer is currently considered one of the evils of the present century, and cancer located in the neck or esophagus region can be one of the causes of the feeling of a lump when swallowing.
At first we imagine a common inflammation that is quite natural in temperature changes, however, the appearance of pains followed by difficulty swallowing and the presence of hoarseness may indicate the presence of nodules in the neck region.
In this case, as it is a suspicion of cancer, the most indicated is to seek a doctor as soon as possible for the necessary exams and consequently prevent this disease, because the earlier the diagnosis, the more chance of reversing the situation.
And speaking of prevention, let’s see the best ways to start treating the feeling of a lump in the throat even at home?
Symptoms associated with the feeling of a lump in the throat
As we talked a little while ago, this feeling of a lump in the throat can be associated with other symptoms such as: pharyngitis, laryngitis, allergies, flu infections and even excessive use of the voice.
For this reason, it is necessary to seek a specialist for a deeper analysis.
Treatments and home remedies to relieve this sensation
The home ways to relieve the feeling of a lump in the throat are very simple and super known to all of us.
Who has never heard someone older say: take a little tea and it will pass?
All of us, right?
It’s not a myth. Many of the home remedies that exist and that we are going to show you now, are passed down from generation to generation and very used before seeking a specialist and this can contribute a lot to recovery.
Among these home alternatives, stand out:
- Regular water intake;
- Warm water compress;
- Gargles with warm water and salt;
- Chamomile tea;
- Ginger tea;
- Lemon tea.
If your case is something atypical, it is worth trying some of these suggestions, as actions like this can help alleviate the feeling of a lump in the throat.
When to seek medical help for the feeling of a lump in the throat?
After using some of the recipes we talked about and the feeling of a lump in the throat does not stop or even decrease, the ideal is to immediately seek a specialist for a more accurate and detailed evaluation.
When seeking a doctor (gastroenterologist, pulmonologist or head and neck surgeon), he will perform some specific exams to know the real cause and once the cause is found, the necessary medication will be prescribed for recovery.
But you don’t need to worry. Sometimes the pains only cease with the use of the appropriate medication and following the correct schedule.
When we feel any abnormality in our body it is clear that we always try to solve it with our experience or even with advice from those closest to us, however it is always necessary to seek medical advice.
This is because, just like any other type of alteration, this disorder can be something simple, but it can also be a warning that we cannot overlook.
Don’t let curiosity pass and access.
A hug,
See you later.
Doutor em Gastroenterologia pela FM-USP.
Especialista em Cirurgia do Aparelho Digestivo (HCFMUSP), Endoscopia Digestiva (SOBED) e Gastroenterologia (FBG).
Professor do curso de Medicina da Fundação Educacional do Município de Assis - FEMA.
Médico da clínica Gastrosaúde de Marília.