Feeling Like Something is Stuck in the Throat, How do I Get it Out?
Having the feeling like something is stuck in the throat can be an annoying experience. To get rid of this feeling many people will try coughing or swallowing frequently.
Unfortunately, the sensation usually cannot be alleviated by doing this. It can be caused by many different things and is accompanied with hoarseness, saliva buildup, and inflammation.
Luckily there are many things that you can do at home to get rid of this sensation.
Occasionally it may be the sign of a more serious issue. If that is the case, you should seek medical help.
Related Reading: What Causes Lump in Throat?
Why Does it Feel Like Something is Stuck in My Throat?
There are many different reasons for why you may feel like something is stuck in your throat. It occasionally can cause pain and discomfort for those afflicted.
You may feel like something is stuck in my throat but no pain, and in most cases that is all that happens.
Below we will discuss different reasons for the something stuck in throat sensation.
1. Stuck Food or Object
A very common reason for the something stuck in throat sensation is that something is actually stuck.
There could potentially be a piece of food or another object that has gotten lodged there.
This can happen if you do not chew your food properly or eat a poorly deboned fish.
These obstructions can range from mild to severe, all depending on what is causing the sensation.
2. Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease
Another common reason for people to feel like something is stuck in my throat after eating is gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.
This is a condition where the acid from the stomach leaks back into the esophagus and causes a burning sensation in the chest.
This is otherwise known as heartburn and has been known to cause a bitter taste in the mouth.
The World Journal of Gastroenterology reported that the Globus sensation is experienced in over 60% of people who suffer from GERD.
You may experience a feeling of something stuck in the throat when swallowing if you are afflicted with GERD.
3. Scleroderma
This is the weakening, hardening, and narrowing of esophageal tissue. This condition can cause food particles to travel back up and get lodged in the throat.
You may have the feeling of something stuck in throat after eating if you have this condition.
Related Reading: Tickle in Throat Treatment
4. Tonsillitis
This is when your tonsils become inflamed and infected by a viral or bacterial infection. This can cause the feeling of something stuck in the throat when swallowing.
Dr. Carol DeSarkissian on WebMD says that tonsillitis is caused by an infection at the back of your throat that can cause swollen glands in your neck, redness, pain, blisters, white spots on tonsils, and fever.
Something will not actually be lodged in your throat, but it will feel as if there is.
Related Reading: Is Tonsillitis Contagious? How Long Will It Be Contagious?
5. Stress
Stress is something that will affect almost everyone in their daily life.
Many people find that stress makes a feeling like something is stuck in the throat.
This is due to the fact that when you are stressed, your muscles tighten and become more tense.
With this tension, the throat will feel as though there is an object lodged in that area.
The Journal of Psychosomatic Research conducted a study on those who are affected by stress-induced Globus.
They reported that more people in the control group felt that something was stuck in their throat than those in the other groups.
It was also found that in the time before stress there was no sensation of a feeling like something is stuck in the throat.
6. Thyroid Issue
Issues that relate to your thyroid gland can cause the feeling like something is stuck in the throat.
A study from Belgium found that an enlarged thyroid can cause the symptoms of Globus pharyngeus.
Thyroid issues are very complicated to diagnose and handle and require a doctor to do this.
7. General Anxiety Disorder
High levels of anxiety and worry about everyday activities and events may cause a feeling like something is stuck in the throat.
The British Journal of General Practice says that there is a link between Globus pharyngeus and anxiety disorders in patients.
As many as 96% of people who suffer from an anxiety disorder may also experience what feels like something is stuck in my throat but no pain.
Related Reading: Sore Throat and Earache: Causes and Natural Treatments
How to Get Rid of the Feeling of Something is Stuck in My Throat?
Something stuck in throat, how to get it out?
There are many different at home treatments you can do if your condition is mild or minor. If it is more severe you should seek medical attention.
Also, consult with your doctor before beginning any at home treatments to make sure you are able to complete them.
Below are some of the treatments that are available when you have a feeling like something is stuck in the throat.
1. Antibiotics
If you have an infection and it feels like something stuck in throat and burping, you may need antibiotics. This is a medication that will be able to fight the infection and get you feeling better.
They are prescribed by a doctor and not available over the counter. Make sure to follow the directions to allow for the proper fix of your situation.
2. Lavender Oil
If stress causes your feeling like something is stuck in the throat. Some lavender oil may be able to help alleviate these issues.
Get some oil and inhale the scent directly from the bottle if you have to. Lavender is known for its calming properties and reduce your stress or anxiety.
3. See Your Doctor for Removal
Something stuck in the throat and how to get it out, removal. If you have something lodged in your throat like a fishbone, you will need a doctor.
They will have to go in and remove the object as it could cause more problems if not dealt with.
4. Chew Properly
One of the easiest things to do to relieve what feels like something stuck in throat and burping, is chewing properly.
Make sure that your food is chewed thoroughly before swallowing it, this ensures that nothing will get caught on the way down.
Medical Procedures
If your feeling like something is stuck in the throat is being caused by a more severe condition you may require medical procedures.
If it is a tumor then you will need surgery. In the case that it is cancer, there are other medical procedures that can be conducted to alleviate this issue.
The feeling like something is stuck in the throat is very annoying. You will spend your day coughing and drinking water to try and get rid of it.
If you have a minor condition, then there are ways to get it out. But, if it is something more severe make sure to seek medical attention. Luckily there is usually a home remedy that you can utilize to help alleviate your issue.
Sources:
Lee, B. E., & Kim, G. H. (2012). Globus pharyngeus: A review of its etiology, diagnosis and treatment. World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG, 18(20), 2462–2471. http://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v18.i20.2462
Marlene B. Harris, Ian J. Deary, Janet A. Wilson,
Life events and difficulties in relation to the onset of globus pharyngis,
Journal of Psychosomatic Research, https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-3999(96)00024-4
