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yorkshireguy
05-03-08, 02:36
I am just wondering whether a symptoms i have had for a few weeks now is Globus Hystericus or a throat problem/condition...........I have had this for a few weeks but it feels like it is getting worse, firstly it feels like there is something stuck in my throat, everytime i swallow it feels as though something is there, i seem to be able to drink/eat properly without too many problems, obviously if it was life-threatening or something serious i wouldn't be able to swallow food/drink.

It feels terrible, also it feels like someone has their hand on my throat the majority of the time and it feels as though there is a lot of phelgm in my throat or something.

Now i went to see a doctor about it over 4 weeks ago and they said i had enlarged tonsils, i saw another doctor about it a week later and they said it was due to my tonsils being large, they went down in size but recently have quite a little bit large again but my throat is not sore at all..........the thing is i cannot see the enlarged tonsils causing this problem, i keep thinking it must be something serious.

I thought about acid reflux but the thing is i don't suffer with heartburn so i guess that rule's that problem out, unless it's something more serious than that, sometime's i think could it be throat cancer..........etc etc.

I am very concerned about it, it's a symptom which is annoying me severely and i feel like it is affecting my quality of life, i have heard about globus hystericus before but what is it exactly? and what can it make you feel like?

The thing is i have this problem from the minute i wake up until the moment i go to sleep so it's something that never seem's to go away.......so i just wanted some opinion's on this matter.

Thanks........

neptuno
05-03-08, 17:44
Hello !
Oh yes ! I can relate to this one big time ! I find I get very breathless too. I do have a reflux problem so maybe its worth trying some antacids ? I guess you're not asthmatic - but could you have an allergy or sensitivity ?- in which antihistamine might be worth a try.
be kind to yourself

yorkshireguy
05-03-08, 18:21
Hello !
Oh yes ! I can relate to this one big time ! I find I get very breathless too. I do have a reflux problem so maybe its worth trying some antacids ? I guess you're not asthmatic - but could you have an allergy or sensitivity ?- in which antihistamine might be worth a try.
be kind to yourself

Thank you for your reply neptuno....................This problem feels worse than ever today, the thing is i feel like i am being strangled/suffocating, also i feel like i am about to choke or throw up any minute.

I don't know whether this problem i'm about to mention is related to this but i keep getting horrible feelings in my stomach and aches, also i keep feeling sick all the time.

This problem stops me from doing most things and it's really annoying me, it just won't go away not even for a few minutes or hours.

I am asthmatic but i don't get any heartburn or anything so i don't think it's down to reflux, I've had asthma for years and i'm not allergic to anything.

I'm going to see my GP again tomorrow but what do i say about this throat problem? because i don't think they take it seriously enough and they blame it on anything they can, how can i make the GP do something about it and take it seriously?

Thanks..........................

yorkshireguy
05-03-08, 20:57
This seems to be getting worse and worse and it is driving me crazy...................................

Nibbles
05-03-08, 21:55
Hi,

Globus hystericus is my biggest symptom and feels exactly how you've described what you're feeling. My doctor checked my thyroid to make sure it wasn't that which was causing the problem and the test came back normal. I find my throat feels at its worst when I'm stressed but it can happen for no reason as well and sometimes for several days at a time. I hope everything goes well with your doctor and suggest you emphasise how much of a problem this is to you.

Take care,

Mike :)

yorkshireguy
05-03-08, 23:21
Hi,

Globus hystericus is my biggest symptom and feels exactly how you've described what you're feeling. My doctor checked my thyroid to make sure it wasn't that which was causing the problem and the test came back normal. I find my throat feels at its worst when I'm stressed but it can happen for no reason as well and sometimes for several days at a time. I hope everything goes well with your doctor and suggest you emphasise how much of a problem this is to you.

Take care,

Mike :)

Thanks for your message mike, i seem to have this problem constantly and have no relief from it at all, also i've noticed that my stomach is hurting a lot and i don't know whether it is linked to this throat problem.
I've had blood tests done this week and they are all clear so that rules out thyroid problems, there are other things like reflux and GERD and a few other throat conditions that can cause these type of things but i personally don't suffer from acid so i'm not sure what else could be causing this apart from Globus Hystericus.

It is just weird how i constantly feel like a)There feels like a lump or golf ball in my throat, i can actually feel something like it's moving sometimes b)I feel like i'm going to start choking to death c)I feel like someone has got their hand on my throat or someone is strangling me, i Just don't see how anxiety can cause all these symptoms, also i don't see why it is so constant and i don't get any relief from it, i have no idea whether the stomach thing is connected but i am getting more and more worried about it now as it doesn't seem to be going away, the fact is it feels worse and i just hope the doctor doesn't fob me off about it when i see him next.

nomorepanic
06-03-08, 00:02
I am in my 3rd year of it now - see this ...

http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=4476

It never lets up (except when I was out of work for 2 months). It is daily and constant and involves gagging and not being able to swallow.

I had the tests and all ok so it must be anxiety.

The more you think about it and concentrate on it the worse it gets I am afraid.

Also make sure that you are not holding your tongue at the roof of your mouth - try and relax it.

I hate this too but can't seem to shift it and have it daily.

yorkshireguy
06-03-08, 00:22
I am in my 3rd year of it now - see this ...

http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=4476

It never lets up (except when I was out of work for 2 months). It is daily and constant and involves gagging and not being able to swallow.

I had the tests and all ok so it must be anxiety.

The more you think about it and concentrate on it the worse it gets I am afraid.

Also make sure that you are not holding your tongue at the roof of your mouth - try and relax it.

I hate this too but can't seem to shift it and have it daily.

Hi................I'm really sorry to hear that you have had it for so long, i could not bear to have it for that long.

What tests did you have done for it?......The only tests i have had so far are blood tests.

Can i ask whether this affects your stomach at all in anyway?,,,,As i said above my stomach is starting to ache more and more...also i am feeling sick alot of the time as if i am about to throw up any moment and this is another thing that is frustrating me and i'm not sure whether it is related to this or not.

One thing i can say about my throat is it feels very phelgmy and i don't know whether anyone else feels like that........I am asthmatic but my throat has never felt phelgmy like this before.

I'm going to tell the doctor about it, i'm not sure whether they will do any tests for it, it would be reassuring if they did though, if i had a camera down my throat or something and nothing was there then at least i would be convinced that nothing is there because i am convinced that something is there at the moment.

I can eat and drink ok and everything so surely it cannot be anything serious?

nomorepanic
06-03-08, 00:32
I had the camera down the nose and into throat - wouldn't recommend it!

I have IBS and chrons and suffer severe stomach pains from that and indigestion which makes me very sick and in so much pain.

I was sick tonight and it was all phlegm type stuff. I guess I got used to it each day.

Mine is anxiety apparently and my mates mum had it for 4 years so I am kinda hoping mines goes soon but after 2.5 years you get used to it

alexis
06-03-08, 02:18
Hi this was one of my first symptoms of anxiety/depression 3 years ago now, I had all the tests, bloods, specimens, ent specialist,x rays barium meal etc.
I struggled to believe the diagnosis was correct, at one stage I was drinking water continuosly to convince myself I was still able to swallow.
I now very rarely suffer as other things take over I suppose, Im not sure when it all stopped,I do still get it if I go out socially, try not to let it rule your life, I know we do and that is easier said than done. Take care.xxx

sagey
06-03-08, 14:48
Yorkshireguy, good luck with the doc. and I hope you get some solution to this.
It's been a recurrent problem for me but I often feel it more in my nasal passages, as though there is a marble up there pressing down on my throat. I had it severely last summer which coincided with domestic upheaval, I'd start gaging as soon as i woke up. It gradually subsided as things calmed down for me and I now think there could be an emotional element to it.
some time ago i read on an american website about a condition called something like "oesophegal webs" which I thought I might have as whenever I try and swallow a tiny tablet it feels as though it's trapped in my throat for hours. It drives me nuts!
Hope you get sorted soon. sagey.

yorkshireguy
06-03-08, 16:46
Thank you for all the replies and advice............

I was hoping to see my doctor today but i couldn't get in, I'm seeing them tomorrow morning.

I feel even worse today, has anyone had any stomach problems with this? because the thing is as well as the horrible throat problem i have the last 2 days my stomach keeps aching and i keep feeling physically sick all the time as well.

Maybe i could have an actual throat problem? because obviously the throat and stomach are connected and these symptoms are really worrying me now, I just hope the doctor takes it seriously and does something about it and doesn't just send me away with no explanations as to what the problem is.

spacebunnyx
06-03-08, 17:13
hello,

just wanted to say that I have this too... have had it for about 8 months.. it feels like i am being choked and that someone is pressing on my throat just above my collar bone... its horrible. but i find it is worse in the evenings.

jess xxx

darkangel
06-03-08, 17:15
Hi

Ive had anxiety for over 11 years and although most of the symptoms have vanished this is one that will not go. I have exactly what you are describing but it gets worse when I focus on it. Ive had every test possible and my gp says its just part of my anxiety and it seems sginificant that it appears in my throat area. Ive learned to accept it and not give it much notice now, hard I know, but the more I concentrated and worried about it the worse it became. If Im particulary stressed then it will get worse.

This may sound strange, but if I have things that i am bottling up and dont talk about then it triggers it off, psychological maybe, i dont know!

I also have IBS and heartburn and feel like someone is strangling me at times. Last visit to my doc they increased my anti deps - and strangely it has helped :shrug: .

Hope you get some relief soon

Darkangel x

yorkshireguy
06-03-08, 18:50
Thanks for the replies..........................

The 3 things that i really want to get across to the doctor tomorrow is:

A) My throat problem Choking/Suffocating feeling/Like something is stuck in my throat.

B) My constant stomach ache which feels uncomfortable.

C) Feeling physically sick all the time.

In my opinion some doctors are too quick to get you out of the room and they don't listen to you properly, this can be very frustrating.

How can i make the doctor who i see tomorrow listen properly and take me seriously? and do something about these symptoms?...................Because the last thing i want is to go there and leave with nothing done and no explanations or no planned investigations.

I shouldn't be having constant stomach ache and feeling sick all the time and these are new symptoms and they are very troublesome along with the throat problem.

I hope that i don't have anything seriously wrong with my throat or stomach.

If i requested to be referred to a ENT specialist could the GP refuse this? Because i feel i may have to see one for reassurance on this throat problem and to make sure that there is nothing there......How long do you have to wait to see a ENT specialist?

joy
06-03-08, 18:55
think these days you are supposed to be seen within 6 weeks if referred to a specialist. I good plan is to write all your worries and symtoms down and let the GP read it, that way he has to address the issues and you wont forget anything.

Good luck tomorrow and let us know what happens

Love Joy

yorkshireguy
06-03-08, 19:06
think these days you are supposed to be seen within 6 weeks if referred to a specialist. I good plan is to write all your worries and symtoms down and let the GP read it, that way he has to address the issues and you wont forget anything.

Good luck tomorrow and let us know what happens

Love Joy

Thanks Joy.............I wrote the symptoms down last time i saw the GP so i will probably do the same tomorrow, I just hope he won't fob these symptoms off for anxiety without checking them out fully because it's too easy for a doctor to fob symptoms off for anxiety if someone is suffering from anxiety, if the doctor could look at my stomach and feel around it for anything that would be good, i would like reassurances regarding my throat and feeling sick all the time as well.

I think i could well be changing my medication tomorrow as it will be the first time i have seen my GP since i had my blood tests and because they were clear i think the GP may put me on something different.

yorkshireguy
06-03-08, 21:52
Can anyone give me any advice before i see the doctor tomorrow??.......................

My throat is no better and i am now getting very concerned about this constant stomach ache that i seem to be getting.......as well as the fact that i keep feeling sick and sometimes i feel like i cannot breathe properly.

I'm hoping for some explanations from the doctor tomorrow about these symptoms but i'm not expecting anything.......

nomorepanic
06-03-08, 22:09
It could be acid indigestion as well.

joy
06-03-08, 22:33
Well ask him to examine you if he doesnt suggest it. Dont be fobbed off

love joy

yorkshireguy
06-03-08, 23:20
It could be acid indigestion as well.

Hi, Thank you for your message :)

I've always thought that i've never had acid, does acid indigestion cause symptoms constantly like the ones i am getting?

I don't suffer with heartburn or anything like that, food doesn't seem to make it worse, i just have this throat and stomach thing all the time and i keep feeling sick.

I'll bear acid indigestion in mind, thanks............

nomorepanic
06-03-08, 23:23
It can yes - I get it a lot - take some drugs called Losec when it it bad.

Let doc have a look and diagnose though

sagey
06-03-08, 23:47
Hi, remember that these G.P.'s earn around 80/100 grand a year and for that we should demand an explanation/diagnosis and if they don't know what is wrong, they should display enough respect to the patient to say so.
Look forward to hearing how you get on tomorrow.

yorkshireguy
06-03-08, 23:47
It can yes - I get it a lot - take some drugs called Losec when it it bad.

Let doc have a look and diagnose though

Thanks again :D...................Can i ask what do i do if the doctor blames it on anxiety? or doesn't really talk about it, i am not particularly keen on doctor's i don't like seeing them just because i think they don't always listen or investigate things properly or they are too quick to fob you off, i'm talking from experience.

Do you think it would be better to write down my symptoms rather than talk about them? I'm just hoping to get rid of these symptoms or to at least calm them down, i don't want to keep on feeling like this.

yorkshireguy
06-03-08, 23:58
Hi, remember that these G.P.'s earn around 80/100 grand a year and for that we should demand an explanation/diagnosis and if they don't know what is wrong, they should display enough respect to the patient to say so.
Look forward to hearing how you get on tomorrow.

Hi Sagey..................I totally agree with you, they earn a lot of money and the majority of the time they should have an idea what's wrong..........i would definitley rather a doctor said if they didn't know what was wrong then i could see a different GP for a second opinion.......

yorkshireguy
07-03-08, 12:13
Well i have just got back from the doctors................................i don't know how to feel really.

I wrote down the symptoms about my throat and stomach and also wrote that they are troublesome symptoms, i also handed the GP the questionnaire that they asked me to fill in.

He then went on to say that my nervous system is working too much and that i am suffering from anxiety.

My throat is still the same, my stomach has started hurting again and keeps rumbling all the time for some reason, also i still feel sick alot of the time....................regarding my medication, my GP has decided to up the dose to 20mg, he asked about going on 10mg.......i said that these symptoms started appearing when i was on 10mg so he said to up it to 20mg over a few days.

Will upping the dose to 20mg cause more side effects??..........also do you think that upping the dose could clear up these symptoms and problems with my throat and stomach?............thanks.

elitest
07-03-08, 12:20
Well i have just got back from the doctors................................i don't know how to feel really.

I wrote down the symptoms about my throat and stomach and also wrote that they are troublesome symptoms, i also handed the GP the questionnaire that they asked me to fill in.

He then went on to say that my nervous system is working too much and that i am suffering from anxiety.

My throat is still the same, my stomach has started hurting again and keeps rumbling all the time for some reason, also i still feel sick alot of the time....................regarding my medication, my GP has decided to up the dose to 20mg, he asked about going on 10mg.......i said that these symptoms started appearing when i was on 10mg so he said to up it to 20mg over a few days.

Will upping the dose to 20mg cause more side effects??..........also do you think that upping the dose could clear up these symptoms and problems with my throat and stomach?............thanks.

Sorry I missed what meds you are on and what for ? I am on Nexium reduced from 40mg to 20mg for acid reflux, I started with thre throat thing after Christmas also getting sore tongue and continual belching, I was diagnosed with chronic acid reflux in december evn though I hadnt had any symptoms as far as I knew and am now in constant state of tyerror over getting oesophagal cancer. The throat is probably anxiety, I am due to have camera down in 2 weeks to check throat I have already had gastroscopy which is horrible but discovered I had acid damage....I do find the throat gets better when I first wake up and if i really manage to forget about it which makes me believe it really is anxiety although you always think perhaps its throat cancer...my health anxiety over last few months has cost me a fortune as GPs are absolutely hopeless ( im in sheffield) and I have to go privately to get any sensible replies to anything, also using acupuncture chinese herbs DGL black raspberry powder you name it Ive tried it.........how do you feel now ?

yorkshireguy
07-03-08, 16:59
The only thing i don't think is causing my anxiety is my throat problem.................the doctor didn't really say anything about it but he read my list of symptoms and my questionnaire and then just went on to say that i am suffering from anxiety.

However earlier today i had a nap on the sofa.......i woke up after an hour or so and i was choking on something, it took me a few seconds to clear whatever it was that was there.......it still feels like something is there now.

This may be a silly question but is it possible to choke on mucus/acid/phelgm??......I've never heard of anyone who has but i just wondered whether it is possible.

I keep thinking that it may be excess mucus/phelgm.......but i really do think that something is there and there is some kind if problem because i feel something there now and again and occassionally i sort of choke on it so that makes me think there is something in my throat causing these problems.

Nibbles
07-03-08, 19:44
Hi Yorkshireguy,

I'm sorry things didn't go as well as you'd hoped at the doctors. The only thing I can offer is reassurance in that my throat feels the same as yours. It can make me feel sick and as though I have a lot of phlegm. In fact it feels quite uncomfortable now as I write this! The mind is a very powerful thing and can make you feel the effects that you're worrying about. I know it's hard to do but I'd try not to concentrate on it as much. If it was something sinister I'm sure you doctor would have picked up on it.

Take care,

Mike :)

yorkshireguy
07-03-08, 20:02
Hi Yorkshireguy,

I'm sorry things didn't go as well as you'd hoped at the doctors. The only thing I can offer is reassurance in that my throat feels the same as yours. It can make me feel sick and as though I have a lot of phlegm. In fact it feels quite uncomfortable now as I write this! The mind is a very powerful thing and can make you feel the effects that you're worrying about. I know it's hard to do but I'd try not to concentrate on it as much. If it was something sinister I'm sure you doctor would have picked up on it.

Take care,

Mike :)

Hi Mike, Thanks for your message......................It was ok at the doctor's but this throat thing is really bugging me now, it's really getting on my nerves.........i was hoping the doctor might take a look in my throat or something but they didn't do that.

I've just taken some Gaviscon tablets to see whether it could be down to acid, if it doesn't do anything then i presume i can rule that out?.............My throat does feel like there's loads of phelgm in it or mucus or something.

Like i said above i sort of choked earlier.......it took me a good few seconds to clear whatever was stuck there, i just don't understand how mucus/phelgm could get stuck in the throat?...........i just want to know what is causing this problem so i can get it sorted out, it could be down to anxiety.......but as i keep feeling as if something is there i keep thinking it's something more serious than anxiety.

peach
07-03-08, 22:07
hi,


i have acid reflux and had very similar symptoms to you. acid reflux doesnt have to have heartburn with it, as i dont get heartburn.

doc gave me tabs for my throat 'lump' and soon after taking them, it went away...

peach
07-03-08, 22:16
sorry, forgot to say also....it took about 4-5 weeks on the tablets for my throat to heal up.


and, i too occasionally start to choke, the weird thing is its not when im eating or drinking...its like i choke on my own phlem....


and then i cant breath properly for a few secs, till i try to calm, and slowly get my breathing back, brings tears to my eyes, and now makes me scared of choking, when i wasnt previously.....
i also feel sick lots of the time...docs always just say, 'yes, its possible for it to make you feel like that....'..ughhhh....

yorkshireguy
07-03-08, 22:52
sorry, forgot to say also....it took about 4-5 weeks on the tablets for my throat to heal up.


and, i too occasionally start to choke, the weird thing is its not when im eating or drinking...its like i choke on my own phlem....


and then i cant breath properly for a few secs, till i try to calm, and slowly get my breathing back, brings tears to my eyes, and now makes me scared of choking, when i wasnt previously.....
i also feel sick lots of the time...docs always just say, 'yes, its possible for it to make you feel like that....'..ughhhh....

Hi Peach, Thanks for the advice.......................The thing is i am also fine eating and drinking most of the time, it's worse at night but like you sometimes i feel like i am choking on my own phelgm.

I took some Gaviscon tablets earlier and that didn't do anything, the thing is obviously my doctor probably thinks this symptoms is down to anxiety..........i disagree because it feels like something is there and i think it could be down to something else........it's a shame that my doctor won't investigate it further because if he thought i had reflux he could have given me something for it.

I don't get heartburn at all, i saw that you mentioned that you can get reflux without the heartburn, i'm not sure whether it is reflux.

Do you think i should keep taking Gaviscon tablets?........i don't want to keep taking them if i don't need to take them, i'm just wondering if i was suffering from acid reflux how long would these tablets take to get rid of it?

Personally it feels like there is constant phelgm/mucus stuck in my throat and it never goes away, it worries me because i don't know whether you can actually choke to death from acid reflux or choke to death on your own phelgm/mucus.

sagey
07-03-08, 23:46
I'm very surprised the Doctor didn't examine your throat, did he even feel the glands in your neck? Is your nose always stuffed up so you breathe through your mouth when sleeping? I've read recently about mucous inducing foods - can't remember what they are, I think it was on a sinusitis site, anyway, some people can modify their diet to ease congestion so maybe you can look at this aspect if the doctor can't help further. Good luck.

peach
08-03-08, 08:50
hi!


still sounds to me like it could be reflux.

like i said, i havent had any heartburn/indegestion etc either...

i hada choice how to fix my throat prob (which i still have mildly, but no 'lump' feeling anymore, just phlem, constant clearing throat)...

anyway, i said to my doc, could you prescribe me acid reflux meds, and ill try them, if they dont work, then ill go to a ent specialist and get the camera down the throat thingie....

so i took pariet daily for about 6 weeks till i really noticed the 'lump' disapeared...i kept taking the tablets for a few more months just to make sure, and have been off them now for a few months... so for me it worked..but it does take a little time for the symptoms to go away on the meds....just ask your oc for a script, if it does nothing for your symptoms after about 6 weeks, then ill recommend you see a ent specialist...

good luck, and let us know how you go with it....

if you see my really old posts on this, i was fretting like no tomorrow, scared it might be throat cancer...but im still alive...you will be fine im sure:yesyes:

Horse
08-03-08, 11:53
Hi Yorshireguy.

Just thought I would comment on your unfortunate throat symptom.

Yes, I've been there, and to a certain extent, still am.

The lump in the throat feeling is very very real and convincing to say the least. Normally, the cause is due to a muscle or muscles tightening (due to nerves) in the throat area, be it left or right side or in the middle. This is most noticable during swallowing and although not really painfull, it is very annoying and somewhat alarming to the sufferer. The reason for the muscle restriction is invariably due to anxiety, stress or bad nerves, which basically are all the same thing. One of the most suseptable areas as far as sounding the 'alarm bells' are concerned when we are panicky, is the throat.

If you check out this website, and others that concentrate on helping people with anxiety, you will more than likely find a list of anxiety symptoms that will affect the sufferer. Let's look at these in detail.

1. Lump in the throat.
Caused by as stated above.

2. Difficulty in swallowing.
Again normally due to muscle tightness owing to anxiety.

3. Excess mucus or salliva.
Believed to be produced during times of stress and anxiety.

4. Dry mouth or throat.
Again, a symptom of anxiety. Either too much or too little saliva.

5. Feeling of choking or inablity to breath.
Again, due to muscle constriction owing to panic etc.

Don't forget also that whatever symptom will normally produce panic, because we are already anxious to begin with. Therefore our state of panic will tense our muscles even more and produce a more severe and very real sensation tenfold. Hense the reason for relaxation.

One thing you can do is say to your doctor that you would like a Barium Swallow Exam. This is where you swallow a Barium Meal while they take xrays of your throat to see if there is any obstruction. OK, it's not that great, but then it's not too bad either. It's similar to swallowing a very thick milk shake and normally tastes of banana. The process normally takes about 15 minutes. At least you will then know for sure what's going on rather than ponce about with getting nervous going to a doctor who even barely examins you. Don't forget, the doctor is there for our benefit and we have a right to proper health care.

I firmly believe that while you are panicking (like the rest of us) you are making yourself more aware of your symptom and therefore causing a catch 22 situation. If you can afford to, get one done privately. Enquire at a private hospital how much. If you can afford it, go for it. You will get seen much quicker and I bet, treated with a little more kindness.

Take care.

Kevin.

yorkshireguy
08-03-08, 17:45
I'm very surprised the Doctor didn't examine your throat, did he even feel the glands in your neck? Is your nose always stuffed up so you breathe through your mouth when sleeping? I've read recently about mucous inducing foods - can't remember what they are, I think it was on a sinusitis site, anyway, some people can modify their diet to ease congestion so maybe you can look at this aspect if the doctor can't help further. Good luck.

I was hoping that the doctor would examine my throat but they didn't..........my glands feel ok, my nose is not stuffed up.

My main concern is whether you can actually choke on acid/mucus/phelgm and die?

yorkshireguy
08-03-08, 18:00
Hi Yorshireguy.

Just thought I would comment on your unfortunate throat symptom.

Yes, I've been there, and to a certain extent, still am.

The lump in the throat feeling is very very real and convincing to say the least. Normally, the cause is due to a muscle or muscles tightening (due to nerves) in the throat area, be it left or right side or in the middle. This is most noticable during swallowing and although not really painfull, it is very annoying and somewhat alarming to the sufferer. The reason for the muscle restriction is invariably due to anxiety, stress or bad nerves, which basically are all the same thing. One of the most suseptable areas as far as sounding the 'alarm bells' are concerned when we are panicky, is the throat.

If you check out this website, and others that concentrate on helping people with anxiety, you will more than likely find a list of anxiety symptoms that will affect the sufferer. Let's look at these in detail.

1. Lump in the throat.
Caused by as stated above.

2. Difficulty in swallowing.
Again normally due to muscle tightness owing to anxiety.

3. Excess mucus or salliva.
Believed to be produced during times of stress and anxiety.

4. Dry mouth or throat.
Again, a symptom of anxiety. Either too much or too little saliva.

5. Feeling of choking or inablity to breath.
Again, due to muscle constriction owing to panic etc.

Don't forget also that whatever symptom will normally produce panic, because we are already anxious to begin with. Therefore our state of panic will tense our muscles even more and produce a more severe and very real sensation tenfold. Hense the reason for relaxation.

One thing you can do is say to your doctor that you would like a Barium Swallow Exam. This is where you swallow a Barium Meal while they take xrays of your throat to see if there is any obstruction. OK, it's not that great, but then it's not too bad either. It's similar to swallowing a very thick milk shake and normally tastes of banana. The process normally takes about 15 minutes. At least you will then know for sure what's going on rather than ponce about with getting nervous going to a doctor who even barely examins you. Don't forget, the doctor is there for our benefit and we have a right to proper health care.

I firmly believe that while you are panicking (like the rest of us) you are making yourself more aware of your symptom and therefore causing a catch 22 situation. If you can afford to, get one done privately. Enquire at a private hospital how much. If you can afford it, go for it. You will get seen much quicker and I bet, treated with a little more kindness.

Take care.

Kevin.

Hi Kevin..............This is how my throat symptoms are, basically it feels like something is there all the time, i have to keep clearing my throat alot, it relly feels like there is a load of mucus or phelgm or something there, it's always there from the moment i wake up until i go to bed.

It's so frustrating...............it's worrying me as well thinking that at any moment i could choke to death.......I can swallow food and drink ok, however sometimes when i'm not eating or drinking i feel like something has come up the throat and it makes me choke but i clear it after a few seconds with abit of difficulty.

My throat also gets sore quite a bit................also i don't know if this throat problem is causing my stomach problems, the thing is i am getting stomach ache alot of the time and i feel sick quite alot of the time as well so i'm not sure if the throat thing is causing these symptoms as well or whether the stomach thing and feeling sick alot of the time is something seperate.

It's sooooo annoying, it makes me feel like.............................................. ..................... aaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

It's uncomfortable and i don't get any relief from it at all, i don't know whether it could be down to anxiety or something serious............I guess one of my main worries is whether i could choke to death or whether anything serious could happen with it to put my life in danger?

joy
08-03-08, 18:05
why didnt you insist the GP examined you or referred you to a specialist??

Joy

yorkshireguy
08-03-08, 18:33
why didnt you insist the GP examined you or referred you to a specialist??

Joy

I think the doctor just presumed that this throat situation is down to anxiety......hence them not doing any examination or referring me to a specialist, even if i had requested a referral i think that the doctor probably would have refused, so what can i do? i've got no choice put to put up with it and it is worrying me.

joy
08-03-08, 19:29
he could have at least looked at your throat to reassure you.He was not right just to assume..

Joy

yorkshireguy
08-03-08, 20:39
he could have at least looked at your throat to reassure you.He was not right just to assume..

Joy

I totally agree with you Joy, I wanted him to have a look and give me some reassurance but i didn't get anything...........i just hope that it is nothing serious and hope that i will not choke on my own mucus/phelgm/acid or whatever it is.

joy
08-03-08, 21:19
Have you got an after hours drop in medical centre near you as some places have? or a minor injuries unit sort of a mini casulty if you get desperate or phone NHS direct they are very good. Google for the phone no

Joy

yorkshireguy
08-03-08, 21:23
Have you got an after hours drop in medical centre near you as some places have? or a minor injuries unit sort of a mini casulty if you get desperate or phone NHS direct they are very good. Google for the phone no

Joy

Hi.........The after hours place is miles away from me, i have rang NHS Direct a few times about this in the past few weeks, they don't really say much apart from go and see your GP.

joy
08-03-08, 21:25
Worth a few miles????

Joy

joy
08-03-08, 21:26
people go to A& E for less but wouldnt advice it on a Sat night. Sunday morning maybe

Joy

yorkshireguy
08-03-08, 21:43
I wouldn't be able to get there even if i wanted to Joy......i don't know anyone who drives and at the present time i cannot afford taxi's to get there and back.

joy
08-03-08, 21:48
oh well just an idea,

joy

peach
09-03-08, 03:02
hi,

my throat was so sore during my bad reflux time too..i was constantly sucking those awful anticol lollies...yuck!!! i hated them...

now when my throat gets sore (still does from time to time) i have a bottle of benidryl...its antiseptic throat medicine you can get over the counter from a pharmacy...

i just sip a little of that and it numbs it..very nice.

when your throat does get sore, does it feel like its a burn like pain? thats what mine feels like...

when i was on here asking ppl for help, most said it was anxiety, but like you i felt it was something real...and taking the tablets proved it.

in relation to your fear of choking, i have the same fear now, but when i do have a choking episode, i really try to calm down, and just breathe slowely to let my air passage clear again...i dont think we can choke on our own phlem...ive never heard of ppl dying from choking on their own phlem..i think there needs to be a solid obstruction to block the airway enough...phlem is liquid, so will ease from where its lodged.

this is what i think when im having a choking episode anyway...

yorkshireguy
10-03-08, 19:32
This is worse than ever today............................................. .:(

It really feels like something is stuck and i don't think this problem is down to anxiety at all, i`m going to see the doctor again tomorrow but no doubt nothing will be done again, i don`t really see what doctor`s can do as they cannot look down your throat can they?.........they can only look at the back of the mouth.

It really feel's as though it is affecting my breathing and it's so uncomfortable, i`ve realised that the stomach aches that i keep getting is also probably down to this problem.

I really do think that i am going to choke to death or something else bad is going to happen.

I`ve tried gaviscon to see if it was being caused by acid reflux, i`ve got people to smack me on the back but that doesn`t help either, i`ve tried drinking 8oz of water with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar as that is supposed to be good for a lot of things but that didn`t work either.

I`m not looking forward to seeing my GP again tomorrow as i feel it will be a waste of time again, i have no faith in doctor`s at all because half the time they don`t want to know.

joy
10-03-08, 20:00
Well stand your ground and insist on an examination and if neccessary a referral

Joy

yorkshireguy
10-03-08, 20:06
Well stand your ground and insist on an examination and if neccessary a referral

Joy

Thanks Joy......I will, however an examination won`t do much will it? as i said in my last post the doctor won`t be able to see anything as they cannot see down my throat.

I will ask for a referral to a ENT specialist.......i hope this request will not be refused.

joy
10-03-08, 21:05
they can see quite far down and examine you externally at least. really they cant refuse to refer you either

joy

yorkshireguy
10-03-08, 21:17
they can see quite far down and examine you externally at least. really they cant refuse to refer you either

joy

I didn`t know that they could look quite far down, i thought the back of the mouth was the limit for doctor`s?.

I would really like an explanation for these symptoms, but i expect them just to say they don`t know what the problem is and refer me.

My stomach keeps hurting, but this throat thing is very very annoying and i feel that i can`t put up with it anymore, it`s terrible it feel`s like my throat has tightened up and i feel like i`m choking and i feel like i cannot breathe, although i`ve been told that i look ok from the outside.

My stomach feel`s as though it is affecting my breathing as well.

This throat thing has to be the worst symptom i have ever had.

nomorepanic
10-03-08, 22:16
Hi there

Sorry I never replied to your PM but being feeling pretty rubbish the last few days with a cold.

My throat is still as bad as ever and I find it hard to swallow but the more I think about it the worse it gets and I am sure that is what is happening with you as you are concentrating on it.

Mine is over 3 years now and the only relief I got was when I was out of work for 2 months and chilling - it just went!

Then came back as soon as I started back.

I am debating whether I need to go back to docs or not as I find it very frustrating and I do gag a lot at times with it - especially when I take tablets.

I have not found a miracle cure - the only things that help are to relax your tongue so it isn't at the roof of your mouth and to relax your shoulders to ease the tension in the neck area.

I went to see an ENT specialist and he put a tube down my nose and said my throat was clear and it was anxiety. That was 3 years ago now I think.

It has never got better since.

You can ask for a referral but be aware that mine took about 3 months to come through on the NHS.

Hope the doc reassures you more tomorrow anyway.

You will not stop breathing or choke though - the body just WON'T let that happen so let it do its job and breathe and swallow for you.

yorkshireguy
10-03-08, 23:20
Hi there

Sorry I never replied to your PM but being feeling pretty rubbish the last few days with a cold.

My throat is still as bad as ever and I find it hard to swallow but the more I think about it the worse it gets and I am sure that is what is happening with you as you are concentrating on it.

Mine is over 3 years now and the only relief I got was when I was out of work for 2 months and chilling - it just went!

Then came back as soon as I started back.

I am debating whether I need to go back to docs or not as I find it very frustrating and I do gag a lot at times with it - especially when I take tablets.

I have not found a miracle cure - the only things that help are to relax your tongue so it isn't at the roof of your mouth and to relax your shoulders to ease the tension in the neck area.

I went to see an ENT specialist and he put a tube down my nose and said my throat was clear and it was anxiety. That was 3 years ago now I think.

It has never got better since.

You can ask for a referral but be aware that mine took about 3 months to come through on the NHS.

Hope the doc reassures you more tomorrow anyway.

You will not stop breathing or choke though - the body just WON'T let that happen so let it do its job and breathe and swallow for you.

Thanks for getting back to me Nicola...................

I wish this symptoms was down to anxiety, then at least i may be able to get rid of it, what makes me think that it isn`t anxiety is that when i swallow it feels uncomfortable and it feels like something is there............i also keep feeling like i`m choking or being strangled.

When i swallow it feels like there is something stuck in the throat like a lump or something.

I will ask for a referral to an ENT just incase and to make sure there isn`t a different cause to this apart from anixety.

jadeybags
11-03-08, 14:01
Had that for yrs. I can swallow fine, infact when i eat was the only time i had relief from it. When i just swallowed it was like having something stuck there, mine was to the right of my throat though. Its horrible, also felt like someone was pressing on my throat. Ive had it on and off for many years. Lasting months at a time.
I got in a right state about it recently and was in agony in the end, convinced i had throat cancer. You really can make yourself feel horrendous pain! Trust me, ive done it numerous times with IBS, back ache and arm pit pain etc etc etc. Its quite worrying what the mind can do!
Was going through a tough time with a relationship when it happened recently, and as soon as we split, it eased off within days, didnt have it again until the next bout of stress about a month later.
Hoestly, i know where you're coming from. But im the opposite with the doctors thing, i dont like doctors, well, not them personally, just going! So i do avoidance. So far it has paid off and ive fought it off myself, but until you have a life change where you have to think about something else, its hard to do!
Dont know about the belly ache though, but if you are that het up about it, its not surprising you feel sick!
Caz x

jadeybags
11-03-08, 14:32
Hey yorkshireguy. Ive just read your thread from the end of feb, about the tiredness.
Can you imagine how exausting it is for your body to be constantly stressed every waking hour? It takses looooooooooooads out of you seriously.
Thats what the doctor means when he mentions stress causing it.
Contsantly thinking about dying will knock you for six. Being stressed 24/7 has awful affects on the body.
I'm lucky if i go 3 or 4 hours without wanting a siesta these days. At the moment ive got my head round it being stress and as soon as this damn flu type thing is gone that ive picked up, i will kick myself up the but and get out walking. At the moment i'm just stuck in a viscious circle.
Caz x

elitest
11-03-08, 15:56
I am tired all the time too...no energy...I think what Yorkshireguy has is probably postnasaldrip...this is where your sinuses are dripping down the back of your throat and you have excess phlegm...can be helped by antihistamine/sinus stuff I think...ask your local chemist ?

yorkshireguy
11-03-08, 20:17
Just posting an update...................................

I went to the doctor`s this afternoon, the doctor had a look in my mouth with the lamp and said everything looked ok.

The doctor also felt my glands and said they were ok, the doctor asked me whether i thought this problem was down to anxiety and i said no.

The doctor then said to me i`m not concerned about this problem at all because i don`t think it`s anything to worry about, the doctor said i was young and didn`t smoke and that was good...........then the doctor said if i was 15 years older and a smoker then i would be concerned.

The doctor then asked if i wanted her to do anything and i said can you refer me to an ENT specialist and that request was accepted........the doctor then said i really don`t think you need to see an ENT specialist but if you want to see one then i`m happy to refer you.

This problem along with the stomach ache and bloated stomach kept me awake half the night last night, it`s still really annoying me i`m just hoping that the doctor is right and there`s nothing at all to worry about.

yorkshireguy
12-03-08, 16:27
Unfortunately i`m feeling even worse today.............i had another bad night again where it took me a long time to get to sleep because i felt like i was choking and i feel as though my breathing has been affected......as well as getting alot of stomach ache and feeling sick.

I jusy really hope that the doctor i saw yesterday was right, they said that they don`t think anything serious is going on, they asked me whether i could eat and drink ok, i find eating and drinking ok, sometimes i feel like i`m going to choke on my food but mainly it is ok.

I`ve had alot of symptoms in the past but this one beats all those by a mile as it`s so bad and i feel so uncomfortable all the time, it`s definitley affecting my quality of life because i feel i can never do anything because it`s affecting my stomach and my breathing doesn`t feel good sometimes.

The doctor said i didn`t need a referral to an ENT but would refer me just to put my mind at rest, the doctor never said that it was anxiety that was causing this, but just said that they don`t think it`s anything to worry about.

To me it really does feel like mucus/phelgm is stuck in my throat, but the thing is after over 5 weeks if mucus was stuck there wouldn`t it have gone down by now? also wouldn`t food have pushed it down?

byronhinson
07-04-08, 21:25
I've been having GERD over the past few days, it started when I felt that I couldn't swallow a cup of coffee properly then I had the acid feeling in my chest and throat. Earlier today I had the acid feeling again in my throat and then this evening when trying to eat some pasta I've found it a strange feeling, like I can't swallow it properly even though it all goes down - it feels as though some is stuck in my throat - is this GERD/Anxiety? It is driving me mad!

seeker
08-04-08, 19:39
Hello,
I also had this when I was very anxious. You can get a thing called 'post nasal drip' where mucus runs down your nose and into the back of your throat. this can lead to a build up in your throat, and needing a cough to clear it as you have described. I have never ever heard of anyone choking on their own mucus, though!

Try sleeping sitting upright and see if that helps.

I was referred to ENT for the camera down my throat, and they found nothing there at all. I also found it wasn't too bad, actually. They sprayed a foul tasting substance in my throat and nose, and then a nurse held my head while they shoved the camera down. A very odd experience, but not 'bad'. I think it was worse for my brother watching!

They should also be able to see if there is any irritation due to excess acid/reflux, which could also cause feelings of pain and 'a lump in the throat'. I was further referred for the barium meal, and had to swallow it while upside down - very bizarre! They said I had a hiatus hernia - very common and can cause heartburn etc.

Re your stomach ache - could well be tension again. Think logically - if it was cancer, it would not grow so quickly. you are highly unlikely to develop throat cancer if you have never smoked. I know it is difficult to do, but you must try to stop thinking the worst. Can you get out and about for a walk during the day? What are you doing to distract yourself?

Finally, when I took anti acid medication, I expected it to work striaght away, too, and relieve symptoms. MY ENT specialist looked at me and said 'No, it usually takes at least three months', so you have to give it time.

Hope this helps!

seeker
08-04-08, 19:41
ps - yes, you answered your own question. If there genuinely was something stuck in your throat permanently, you wouldn't be able to eat or drink anything - it would come back up. I also imagine your neck itself would be quite swollen. And you would be loosing oodles of weight and be seriously dehydrated after a couple of weeks!

slondon
13-04-08, 22:33
i have had a problem with my throat for 5 years and a general feeling of dying. i have been told so many things from acid reflux panic attacks in my mind only stress throat spasms bad neck globus hystericus.................... i am so confused and am desperate to get my life back. i wont travel anywhere as i feel my throat is a problem and i constantly keep checking i can swallow. sometimes i panic and i cant swallow and that puts me off going anywhere. at least if i am alone i can drive to the hospital rather than being stuck on a train or plane.
please can anyone help me with their views. i keep crying as i am so restricted and cannot see how i can get better if nobody knowa the problem.

AtmoLav
14-04-08, 08:36
Slondon,

the problem is you're worried about and can't get out of the loop. If I were you, I'd go and see your GP to discuss your worries in depth. Medication or therpay might help. Besided that, trust the medical view that nothing is wrong, challenge yourself to prove that nothing bad's going to happen and go for it.

Take it easy,

Atmo.

Jules66
12-06-08, 00:41
Just to introduce myself as a newbie - Hi All, Im Jules.

What a relief to find this site! Ive had the same symptoms now for 5 months - lump in throat, sore throat and neck, excess salivation, glands up in neck thyroid goiter, bloating and the most dreadful fears of throat cancer, thyroid cancer,and oesophageal cancer. To find your comments is amazing. Im so sorry that you are feeling so dreadful with your symptoms - Its taken me ages to accept that mine are stress related, (with exception of the goiter) but after reflecting on the events of the past 18 months, I have to admit it is highly likely that it is stress and anxiety. The sensations are awful and truly frigthening, but it is most likely that it is anxiety causing them and the sooner we start to deal with the anxiety and look after ourselves - eating properly, exercising and relaxing, the sooner we will start to regain control! Thank you so much for this site - i feel as if I am amongst friends and people who dont think Im mad (even though I probably am!)

Jules

springblossom
10-08-08, 14:46
I have had this for weeks and it's driving me crazy. I think it arises as a result of hyperventilation.

My tip for this is to hum or sing to relax that arched feeling in the palate but ultimately I think once the breathing is brought under control the globus will disappear.

It also seems to be one of those things which gets worse if you think about it. So writing about it here may be even be counter-productive to a certain extent!

My tip for breathing is to remember just how soft and slow normal resting breathing is. When we try and control our breathing we end up breathing too deep and too hard when really we don't need to do anything excpet SLOW EVERYTHING DOWN....

pandamonk
22-08-08, 13:57
Hi, sorry to hijack this thread, but I'm also getting this. I've had panic attacks for the last 18 months. The lump in throat started a few days ago when i was at a snooker hall. I was drinking coke when it started and kept trying to burp to clear it(which gave me a horrible coke/sick taste, haha TMI). Anyway, it clears for a few seconds when i burp, especially a loud one :blush: which my girlfriend then hits me for, but then comes back. Sometimes when i burp a lot it tastes like mint, hahaha. I also feel like my stomache is a little sore.

I thought it would just be anxiety and was trying to ignore it but this morning while eating my breakfast, i noticed it was a little sore when i swallow food. I'm going to book an appointment to see the doctor on monday or something, but just wanna know if it's sore when anyone else swallows.

I had bone cancer when i was younger, so I'm obviously worrying that it has returned in my throat/stomache. I worry that every symptom is cancer though :doh:

pandamonk
29-08-08, 16:54
Hi, sorry to hijack this thread, but I'm also getting this. I've had panic attacks for the last 18 months. The lump in throat started a few days ago when i was at a snooker hall. I was drinking coke when it started and kept trying to burp to clear it(which gave me a horrible coke/sick taste, haha TMI). Anyway, it clears for a few seconds when i burp, especially a loud one :blush: which my girlfriend then hits me for, but then comes back. Sometimes when i burp a lot it tastes like mint, hahaha. I also feel like my stomache is a little sore.

I thought it would just be anxiety and was trying to ignore it but this morning while eating my breakfast, i noticed it was a little sore when i swallow food. I'm going to book an appointment to see the doctor on monday or something, but just wanna know if it's sore when anyone else swallows.

I had bone cancer when i was younger, so I'm obviously worrying that it has returned in my throat/stomache. I worry that every symptom is cancer though :doh:To be honest, it's gone now! :D unless i think about it that is :doh:! Aww well, nothing to worry about. Didn't even see the doc, just kept myself busy.

dkatzmd
05-02-09, 19:16
Hello to all,

I am a newcomer, so I will introduce myself first.

My name is David and I post under my real name "dkatzmd". I am a Physician located in southern California and have practiced for many years.

I was drawn to this site because of a recent patient of mine who presented with typical signs of Globus. As I was researching his case, I found this site -- hence, my visit with you. I personally am not suffering from the malady that you endure.

The reason for my visit here is that I believe that some of you may benefit from what I just discovered about this malady during my work-up of my patient's case. So, I will briefly summarize his situation -- and then pass on the important resolution of his problem (which may, hopefully, be beneficial to some of you). Perhaps some of you will relate to this medical history.

This 36 year old gentleman has been in excellent health throughout his life, until the sudden onset of symptoms that began around Christmas 2008. Without warning, he developed acute, painful swelling of his tongue. This problem was quickly resolved with 2 days treatment with oral Benadryl.

Two weeks later (early January 2009), he began to develop "a lump in my throat, almost like a pill was stuck there". This sensation was progressive over the following weeks and appeared to be much worse during evening/bedtime hours. He never experienced any symptoms of dysphagia(trouble swallowing) either with liquids or solid foods (in fact, he reported that the "lump" in his throat seemed to be better during mealtimes.)

He consulted a prominent Gastroenterologist here in San Diego who suspected that he might have reflux esophagitis (GERD) -- even though he had never experienced typical GERD symptoms -- and advised him to take Protonix in the morning, and Zantac at night. This regimen had no helpful effect. In fact his globus symptoms became progressively worse.

Ten days ago, he underwent complete upper GI endoscopy and everything looked "normal" (In fact the endoscopic pictures are textbook quality that could be published in medical textbooks as perfect examples of NORMAL UPPER GI TRACT photos.)

Faced with this mystery -- and the symptoms which (in his words) "are driving me crazy!" -- he turned to me for additional help.

After a thorough historical interview with him, I discovered something that turned out to be accurate (and he is now on the road to full recovery -- all symptoms eradicated). And that is the information that I wanted to share with you.

The disorder is known as EOSINOPHILIC ESOPHAGITIS. Until very recently, this disorder was thought to be primarily a Pediatric disease and, therefore, frequently overlooked by adult-care physicians and GI specialists.

The etiology of the disorder is most commonly related to food allergies -- even undetected allergies! But it has recently been recognized to be increasing in incidence in young and middle-aged adults.

One of the classical symptoms of this disorder -- as originally recognized in children and adolescents -- is "the lump in the throat that never goes away"!

I pass this on in the hope that it may be helpful to somme of you, at least.

Oh, you probably want to know how I have treated this patient -- successfully.

First, you need to know that we caught his disorder at a (fortunately) very early stage. Therefore, short-term treatment with Prednisone has been very effective in eradicating his problem. (As an aside, it turns out that he is "milk allergic" -- although unknown to him prior to this time -- and his unknown allergy was exacerbated when he began drinking whole milk with his infant daughter -- as the infant was being weaned from breast milk!)

Second, for those of you who have suffered for much longer time periods, the diagnosis can be easily confirmed by an endoscopic biopsy --AT THE UPPER THIRD OF THE ESOPHAGUS -- and treatment with Prednisone will require a longer time frame than a week. But, after suffering the agonies you have endured for long periods of your life -- it may be worth it!

I hope that this information is enlightening, at the least -- and potentially helpful to some of you. My heart goes out to you!

David

springblossom
07-02-09, 11:26
Interesting post David.

Milk is a relatively new addition to the human diet and is probably best avoided.

RLC
24-02-09, 20:01
Same problem here! Exactly the same lumpy feeling in throat all due to ANXIETY! :mad: Although it's a new symptom for me it's irritating bothersome & annoying..I'm trying to relax not think about it and get rid of the stress. Always something new with Anxiety & depression.

springblossom
26-02-09, 12:46
Do people find the globus and breathing problems go hand in hand?

xfilme
03-03-09, 16:43
I have been suffering from weird sensations at the back of my tongue since christmas. Ive had 4 docs peer at the back of my throat with a light. one said my tonsils were slightly enlarged though I didnt have a sore throat. One said it might be a lingual tonsil form of tonsilitis. The i trerated it for oral thrust. A week ago I had problems swallowing because my throat was so dry and uncomfortable. I panicked as I didnt sleep all night. She checked it and said she felt it was globus. Immediately after it started to improve. Maybe psychological after all. I have today woken up again to a sensation like I have a hair lying on the back of my tongue. Its very uncomfortable... but coincidentally I have been really stressed again. Its hard to believe its nothing when youre scared. Viscious circle :(

btg
04-03-09, 23:33
you say it's not an anxiety problem but then you also wonder if you can die form choking on mucus.

go to see someone who specialized in anxiety and/or ocd. its a common obsessive thought. you're probably genetically predisposed, but that's just how it's going to be.

relax, get some exercise, do yoga, swim. remember, it really can't kill you. seriously. don't expect it to go away immediately. you have to be totally okay with it before anything happens. don't just sit on your butt either. like i said, go to see a specialist.

loopy loo
04-03-09, 23:44
Hi ,
Just wanted to say that many years ago i suffered from globus. It often felt like a hair at the back of my throat too and was constantly there although better when drinking or eating. I had an exploratory operation which put my mind at ease and gradually it went. occaisionally it comes back for a couple of days but just acknowledging it is simply a tense muscle in the throat helps and it goes again. treat this like any other anxiety symptom....no attension and eventually it will go.

Take care x

luigi44
31-03-09, 23:53
Hi,
just joined this forum ......... and getting a bit desperate, really....... not sure if that's what I have but it realy looks like it ...... it started as a one-off last september for a couple of days and then came back this last jan. and it has not left me .... you know what I mean..... the choking feeling, the fear of falling asleep only to wake up while choking, the need to keep swallowing as if to reassure myself than I can swallow ok, the dry mouth and lack of saliva .... went to see a specialist and found out that I also have reflux but don't know if that's what is causing my problems or vice versa....
Thanks a lot to everyone for reassuring that it's only in 'our head' that we need to look...... but it does not take away the fact that it is pretty scary at times.
Read the post from the doctor and I'm a bit worried, in amongst other things, about the Prednisone .......... it is a cortisone drug I believe and it has a number of side effects too ....... personally I'm allergic to a series of drugs one of which is Omeprazole. My doc prescribed me 40mgs a day and cannot even take ten mgs without feeling the effect of the dry mouth increasing and in fact making the symptoms worse. Don't know if anyone out there has tried any natural remedy yet? ..... Do they work? ... Lots of internet promises from various sites, offering honey as a remedy or cyder vinegar or a particular type of apple ...... what do you think? anyone out there? have you actually tried it and it works? without wanting to sell me anything or direct me to a website please!...........Thanks you for all your support. Hope this helps someone out there. Please get in touch ..... we need to speak more about this!

luigi44
01-04-09, 01:13
Hi all again, in my previous email forgot to mention that I also get a very swallen dry tongue with teeth marks, together with the dry mouth, and difficulties breathing of course, associated with the swallowing problem. Anyone knows what kind of drink could also help?
forgot to mention also that I am taking some complementary supplements, i.e. magnesium, vitamin b complex and a probiotic. Also have a nutricious milkshake type drink which gives me the necessary viyamins I might lack when I feel I cannot eat too much because of my symptoms at dinner time.Feel also very tired all the time and that's understandable because all of my energy goes into trying to cope with this problem.... basically I feel quite like .....horrible, especially in the evenings, and this is effecting my moods and get irritabilty problems very accentuated. One of the best things is trying to keep oneself busy, doing things generally helps, it would be great having a bit more of a conversation about it on this website. Still go to work, althouhg at times I feel quite stressed and if my symptoms start whilst at work, I feel even more worried and try not too show what's happening to me, although at times is really difficult.:weep:
Thank you for reading my mails. If that sounds familiar then let me know please...... :hugs:

IvoryQueen3
30-03-11, 02:33
wow i have to same feeling, and i must say its quite scary. i went to the hospital 2x in 2 days. the said it was post nasal drip. the put me on steroids to help with swelling or inflammation in my throat. doesnt seem to help. i havent eaten in days. everytime i eat feels like the food getting stuck in my throat. some days are better then others. yes and if u do concentrate on it its worse. i try not to but its hard. i dont know what the cause is. i was on benadryl for a month str8 idk if imhaving a reaction or what??? i hate this feelin.i just want it to go away. ur not alone. i havent gotten any test done yet. ima have them test for thyroid and diabetes

j.d
08-04-11, 20:32
I am just wondering whether a symptoms i have had for a few weeks now is Globus Hystericus or a throat problem/condition...........I have had this for a few weeks but it feels like it is getting worse, firstly it feels like there is something stuck in my throat, everytime i swallow it feels as though something is there, i seem to be able to drink/eat properly without too many problems, obviously if it was life-threatening or something serious i wouldn't be able to swallow food/drink.

It feels terrible, also it feels like someone has their hand on my throat the majority of the time and it feels as though there is a lot of phelgm in my throat or something.

Now i went to see a doctor about it over 4 weeks ago and they said i had enlarged tonsils, i saw another doctor about it a week later and they said it was due to my tonsils being large, they went down in size but recently have quite a little bit large again but my throat is not sore at all..........the thing is i cannot see the enlarged tonsils causing this problem, i keep thinking it must be something serious.

I thought about acid reflux but the thing is i don't suffer with heartburn so i guess that rule's that problem out, unless it's something more serious than that, sometime's i think could it be throat cancer..........etc etc.

I am very concerned about it, it's a symptom which is annoying me severely and i feel like it is affecting my quality of life, i have heard about globus hystericus before but what is it exactly? and what can it make you feel like?

The thing is i have this problem from the minute i wake up until the moment i go to sleep so it's something that never seem's to go away.......so i just wanted some opinion's on this matter.

Thanks........
Hi,only this week I have been to the hospital for the old camera down the throat job.I was experiancing exact same syptoms as you describe.AWFUL.!!! Anyway following both blood tests and a biopsy,it,s been determined that this is caused by excess acid,although I might add ,I didn,t have either indigestion or heartburn.I have been prescribed Lansoprazole 30g for 1 month after which I will return to the hospital to see if there,s any change.
I was rather worried it would be true to say,but feel better for having it checked out properly.

asterix
14-04-11, 15:57
i have had this issue for 8 years and its really changed me as a person. I used to be a DJ and only got this problem just before i started each gig, a few pints of beer and i was good to go,it kinda relaxed me. I gave up the DJ'ing 5 years ago and thought that would be the end of my throat problem.

i have been to doctors, been told its post nasal drip, reflux, anxiety, had camera's down my throat, had one of those barium swallow liquid x-rays, i have had it all.

I feel genuinely sorry for anyone that has this problem because it certainly affects my life.

I should mention i am asthmatic and this seems to be a re-occurring theme around the net, People with asthma seem to be more affected by this. which leads me to believe its a manifestation of a number of things

it could be either reflux, brought on by steriod drugs

an allergy to something, whether it be food or something else, lets face it us asthmatics are allergic to a lot of things

worry or anxiety, another thing connected with Astmatics

all these things but in all the time i have had this i still cannot put my finger on it

I can say now though the only thing i have found that has helped it is a sweet lozenger sold here in the UK, known as Fishermans friends.

i found this myself, it doesn't cure it, they taste horrible, but they do help a lot

since finding that this lozenger helps, i have found a lot of other people around the net that use the same lozenger

people are right though about doctors, they haven't a clue about this, my GP says its anxiety, i myself i don't know. what i do know is it makes me very unhappy:weep:

Charlie91
31-05-13, 06:21
I have a 17 year old son he was having chest pains starting Apr. 2011 Then a few months ago he was having a feeling of something stuck in his throat and feeling hot liquid coming up. I brought him to a gastroenterologist and he had an endoscopy that and was told he had only minimal damage, so the dr. said he has globus. Is there any test to prove his theory? He's been on lansaprazole for a few months already and it only go a little better. Also the chest pain now comes less often.
Any suggestions would be appreciated!

NE21 worrier
31-05-13, 12:02
Hello Charlie,

I was in a similar situation last year and had an endoscopy in March 2012 which found that I had a hiatus hernia and some incidences of GERD (acid reflux) in my oesophagus but, thankfully, nothing worse. I was told to cut down on the fizzy drinks and alcohol, and take Lansaprazole.

However, while I also saw some minor improvements with the Lansaprazole, this did not really deal with the underlying cause and so the globus persisted, the underlying cause being anxiety. As such, I've not found a 'test' for globus - as far as I am aware it is a trick of the mind as it is only noticeable for me if I have woken up anxious about something.

I'm trying hard to work on mindfullness and accepting my anxiety, and not avoiding things in life, in the hope that, one day, the globus will not be there - or at least it will have diminished.

Does your son come across as a worrisome person? When your doctor mentioned globus, did he also mention anxiety or a possible psychological cause? I could be completely in the wrong here but obviously I can only mention my (similar) experience.

Hope whatever is happening with your son gets sorted soon. Regards from across the Pond,
Peter

shoxie
14-09-13, 23:43
Check into LPR...this is what I've been diagnosed with though I'm still searching to see if it's the correct diagnosis.

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease (LPR) - it's also called "silent reflux" because you don't experience the typical reflux symptoms, mainly heartburn.

I've had the globus sensation for several months and an ENT scoped my throat and found slight irritation (this after only a few days of the problem) - he immediately prescribed a PPI which I had to stop taking after two days due to really horribly side effects (terribly joint, bone pain). I gave up for a while thinking it was stress-related...and some days are better than others. But then I got scared reading about throat and esophageal cancer...

Now, I've read about Dr. Koufman, and I'm currently on day 9 of her induction diet to drop acid. I can't post links yet, but google her and you'll also find links to her book, "Dropping Acid."

Yesterday was the first day where I felt no globus! Today, it came back slightly but still much, much better though I've still got the mucus sensation.

In any case, updates would be great as I see this thread was begun back in 2008...I'd be curious to see how everyone is faring...I honestly thought my symptoms WERE due to anxiety, and maybe they are. I have to find a new doc as we've just moved halfway across the country to really delve into this further...

Best of luck to everyone!

keaw
15-09-13, 16:56
hi there, I really hope this works for you! I would also love to hear updates from others, as I still have this all day every day.
it would be nice to think there is an end in sight.x

Lottie19
16-10-13, 21:18
I am suffering with the lump in the throat feeling too. It's horrible isn't it? I know it's an anxiety thing as it comes and goes but seems to be worse at the end of the day when tired. Recent blood tests show that I have an iron deficiency and I have just started taking iron tablets but don't know if the two are related. Have you had any luck in relieving the feeling? Any tips would be much appreciated. :)