How to relieve the feeling of something stuck in your throat?
In this brief article we will answer the question ‘How to relieve the feeling of something stuck in your throat?’ We will also discuss why it happens and what are the factors that affect this sensation.
How to relieve the feeling of something stuck in your throat?
The feeling of something stuck in the throat or globus sensation can be relieved by removing its triggers and the reasons that are causing them. The most important reason why it happens is due to the tension in the muscles or throat or irritation. Relaxing the muscles and removing the irritants will relieve the sensation of globus.
What is the globus sensation?
Globus is the term for the feeling of something stuck in the throat. If you can breathe properly but there is constant heaviness in your throat then this sensation is called globus sensation. It is characterized by the feeling of a non-existent lump in the throat. It is often not painful; just a feeling of discomfort in the throat. In addition to that, it does not cause problems with breathing or swallowing.
It is often very difficult to treat and recur again. Drinking and eating often provide a temporary relief, but the sensation comes back quickly. The permanent solutions lie in managing the triggers and identifying the cause behind the sensation and removing that.
Why do I feel like something is stuck in my throat?
There can be two reasons why you feel something is stuck in your throat. One, something is actually stuck in your throat. Two, it’s a globus sensation.
If it is the former, then you can try several home remedies to remove the blockage. However, it is mostly impossible to remove the object without medical assistance.
If the discomfort is too much then, the best shot is to consult the doctor. If it has the globus sensation then it is a contracted strap of muscle in the neck that is putting pressure on the thyroid cartilage. Its remedies are discussed later in this article.
What are the other signs and symptoms of globus?
Globus sensation is a generalized term, the feeling varies with the person to person. Here are some of the signs or ways sensation of globus can be described as:
- Feeling of lump in the throat
- Tightness or pressure in front part of neck
- Difficulty in swallowing mucus
- General discomfort in throat
- Feeling of lump stuck in throat
How can you manage and minimize globus sensation?
Here are some of the tricks and techniques that can be used to minimize globus sensation. However, it is important to remember that the feeling and causes behind the globus varies thus, there are chances that some of these remedies will not work for you.
- Drink an adequate amount of water everyday. Consume it in small sip over a long period of time and avoid chunking it down in one go.
- Avoid eating big meals and spread the over intake to several smaller meals.
- Minimize the consumption of alcohol and fizzy drinks that can lead to dry throat.
- Avoiding the triggers of GERD also helps with the feeling of globus.
- Exercise and take long walks to reduce stress and manage anxiety
- Cognitive behavioral therapy also works if the basis of the symptoms are purely psychological.
What are factors that can trigger globus?
In most causative agents or factors behind globus are psychological. Some other conditions that can trigger globus are discussed below:
Stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety are one of the main triggers behind globus and cause tightness or pressure in the throat. Relieving anxiety can help minimize the sensation. Long walks, exercises, and calming activities also help relieve the stress.
GERD
Heartburn or GERD can also sometimes cause the symptoms of a lump in the throat. If you take precautions to avoid the reflux symptoms usually subside. This can include not eating right before bed time, consuming less fatty foods and less spices.
Previously lodged object
If you had a lodge object in the throat pretty recently, then it can result in the tightness around the throat. It can be due to pieces of the object left behind or the unhealed walls. Checkup is necessary to make sure all the particles of the object got out for the throat to heal properly.
Do you need to see a doctor for globus sensation?
Mostly seeing a doctor for globus is not a requirement and the condition mostly resolves itself when the triggers subside. However, if the sensation is chronic and affects daily activities then consulting a doctor is a necessity.
Conclusion
In this brief article we answered the question ‘How to relieve the feeling of something stuck in your throat?’ We also discussed why it happens and what are the factors that affect this sensation.
