Throat question

You know the "lump in your thoat" feeling when you're fighting off crying? I've had that feeling now for a over the last 10 days. It feels like I need to wash down some food stuck in my thoat. A mild constriction and lump feeling on the inside of the throat, within and underneath what I imagine would be the adam's apple or base of my throat. It's very different from a sore or hoarse throat and it doesn't hurt to swallow, it's just a very awkward feeling. The last cold I had was last year, I have no cough, and I haven't been taking any medications. This began about 10 days ago, shortly after doing ab machine exercise. I can sometimes slightly strain my neck muscles when doing my workout, but it's very slight. I also have back pains that often times make me sleep sitting up slightly so that my chin rests on my chest. I've had no history of acid reflux or heartburn and eat a healthy diet. Any ideas on what this could be?

[Vivek V Gurudutt, MD]

This type of sensation of the throat can be caused by a number of things.  Many people with reflux have this type of complaint.  Remember, you don't need to feel heartburn to have reflux (silent reflux).  Dryness of the throat from varying emotional states, skeletal muscle problems, obstruction of the food pipe, and tumors of the throat/neck can all lead to similar sensations.  If you continue to have difficulty, get an evaluation by an ent.  Best wishes.