What causes a lump in your throat?
A lump in your throat is not necessarily a sign of something bad. It could just be normal or it might even indicate some other problem. However, if you have had one, then you need to see your doctor immediately because they are very common and treatable conditions. You will probably experience pain when swallowing and coughing up blood may occur occasionally as well. If you notice any of these symptoms, then you should seek immediate medical attention right away!
Causes of a Lumpy Throat:
The most common cause of a lump in your throat is called pharyngitis. Pharyngitis is inflammation of the tonsils and adenoids. These are small white bumps located on both sides of the nose.
They help filter out harmful germs from the air that enters your lungs. People with pharyngitis often develop a sore throat which can lead to a cough. Other possible causes include:
Tonsillitis – This is inflammation of the tonsils and adenoids. Tonsil means “to suck” and sinus means “in front of.” Tonsillosis is a condition where bacteria enter into the tonsils.
Usually, it occurs due to allergies or other respiratory infections.
Other causes of a lump in the throat includes:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia
Otitis media (middle ear infection)
Acute sinusitis
Other inflammatory conditions of the larynx
Vocal cord problems such as nodules, polyps, or paralysis
Thyroid problems such as overactive and underactive thyroid
Cancer of tonsil or other parts of the head and neck
Less common causes of a lump in the throat include:
Lymphoma
Sarcoidosis
Wegener’s granulomatosis
Granulomatous inflammation
Pseudolymphoma
Tuberculosis
Note: If none of these conditions apply then you might be having panic attacks. These can cause a lump in your throat as well as many other physical and psychological symptoms. If this is the case, then you should seek professional help immediately.
Treatment for a Lumpy Throat:
Most cases of lymph nodes in the throat go away within one to two weeks. During this time, it is important to try to rest and eat healthy. Simple diet changes can relieve many symptoms and help your body fight off infection.
Your health care provider may check for allergies, which can cause complications if untreated.
Sources & references used in this article:
Relationship between body mass and gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms: The Bristol Helicobacter Project by L Murray, B Johnston, A Lane, I Harvey… – International Journal …, 2003 – academic.oup.com
Validity and reliability of the reflux symptom index (RSI) by PC Belafsky, GN Postma, JA Koufman – Journal of voice, 2002 – Elsevier
Symptoms and findings of laryngopharyngeal reflux by PC Belafsky, GN Postma, MR Amin… – Ear, Nose & Throat …, 2002 – search.proquest.com
Validity and reliability of a French version of reflux symptom index by JR Lechien, K Huet, C Finck, M Khalife, AF Fourneau… – Journal of Voice, 2017 – Elsevier
Reliability and clinical validity of the Italian Reflux Symptom Index by A Schindler, F Mozzanica, D Ginocchio, A Peri… – Journal of Voice, 2010 – Elsevier
Body-mass index and symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux in women by J Shere – Moment of Science, 2013
Correlation of pH probe–measured laryngopharyngeal reflux with symptoms and signs of reflux laryngitis by BC Jacobson, SC Somers, CS Fuchs… – … England Journal of …, 2006 – Mass Medical Soc
Association between body mass and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and gastric cardia by JP Noordzij, A Khidr, E Desper, RB Meek… – The …, 2002 – Wiley Online Library
