Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

It feels like there is a pill stuck in my throat

Alright, so a little bit of background first. A little less than two months ago I dry swallowed two Aleve and they got stuck in my throat. It was really painful all day, I could feel them lodged in my throat and it would start to burn. I spent most of the day trying to push it down with bread and after a few hours it stopped being a problem. Fast forward to this past month. I have not taken any type of pill since the incident (not because it happened, I just haven't needed anything) but every now and then my throat will hurt with the same sensation. It has happened about four times in the past month in no obvious sort of pattern. The past three times it has just felt like a lump in my throat with a slight (READ: not uncomfortable) burning sensation and would fade away by itself in a matter of minutes. Today, though, I started to feel the familiar lump about 3 hours ago. The slight burning sensation accompanied it as always, but this time rather than fading away it only intensified. I have also noticed that I have to frequently burp lightly, and when I do this the pain is really bad for a few seconds and then it will calm down again. So, long story short, the pain I am experiencing feels exactly like it did when I got Aleve stuck in my throat, though I haven't taken any sort of pill. It has happened before but never as bad as this, and it seems that the more intense pain is triggered by a slight burp.
Any ideas about what might be going on with me? If it gets to be too unbearable I will go to a doctor, but that is something I would like to avoid if possible
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
The same exact thing happened to me today, with an Alieve tablet. I "dry" swallowed it and boy was I sorry I did that! It burned like hell for what seemed like forever. So bad my eyes started tearing. Now Im stuck with this lump in my throat and its very sore at times when I swallow. I hope I didnt do any permanent damage?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The feeling in the pharynx after pill taking may be only an after-feeling without a stuck pill. The nerves in the pharynx are very sensitive. You may also have reflux from your stomach. It can irritate your oesophagus and pharynx and make them more sensitive.

I have also difficulties to swallow pills. The smallest are worst, because they can stick (or give a stuck feeling) possibly between the back of the tongue and the epiglottis. I have to lean my head forwards when I swallow pills (not backwards as is often seen in films). I take small pills usually with some food, eg. sour milk products or porridge. Large pills I can swallow with water.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Ear, Nose & Throat Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Think a loved one may be experiencing hearing loss? Here are five warning signs to watch for.
Discover the common causes of and treatments for a sore throat.
Learn about what actually causes your temperature to spike.
Find out which foods you should watch out for.
Family medicine doctor Enoch Choi, MD helps differentiate between the common cold and more threatening (bacterial) infections
Dr. Steven Park reveals 5 reasons why breathing through your nose could change your life