Lump in throat

[Jacquie728]

What in the world could this lump be, and how can I make it go away?  I was said to have acid reflux, and that was the cause.  I was put on Prilosec, and antacids with no relief.  I've been tested for my thyriod, and all was good there.  If it is acid reflux, what can I do to make that awful feeling go away?  I am loyal to my meds. I am careful with my diet, and sleep with a thick pillow to keep my head up.  They gave me a ct scan that they say came out clear, but what else could I possibly do.  Other than the feeling in my throat, the only other symptom was I was losing my voice, and slight heartburn.  Please help me.  Jacquie

[Enoch Choi, MD]

Can't say what but there are a few tips:

- by lifting heavy objects, you are straining the external neck muscles which can feel like and look like a lump when the muscle contracts

- alcohol causes flushing and vasodilation which could make things swell

[JohnM74]

Hello there , I've had the exact same feeling .It's been going on and off for the last 2 years . At first my doc thought it might be an infection ,gave me amoxicillin for 10 days .Felt better on the 10th day but on the 11th one the lump came back . He then tried Zithromax with exact same resulsts . I tried antacids .Took care of my heartburn but did nothing fo the lump .I've had my thyroid checked  ,nothing there . One thing I noticed is that the lump appears and gets more intense whenever I lift heavy objects . I use to train with weights  ,but had to stop because the lump was intolerable . Sometimes when I wear tight shirts especially around the neck area I get really uncomfortable as if I am choking .I read somewhere about cricopharyngeal spasms . The lump does feel like getting choked up ,like when I cry . Also alcohol seems to agrivate it too .

So please if anyone has any idea of what could be causing this or is going through the same stuff let me know I'm not alone !
John

[Enoch Choi, MD]

saline rinse is available over the counter, there are many brands, it doesn't matter what brand: ocean, etc.

@H2 are zantac, pepcid, tagamet

Pepto doesn't do squat

Prilosec is a proton pump inhibitor

it can take some time.  at least a few weeks

[Jacquie728]

Hi, thanks so much for your blog.  I was wondering where I would get a saline rinse, I've never even hears of that?  What about the anti-H2 antacids, as of right now, I take Pepto max strength, and Prilosec in the am and at night.  I also sleep with like three pillows under my head!!! It's killing my back! I'm considering going back to another doctor, because the one I'm seeing now says it will take months for me to start feeling a real difference in my throat!  Is that true?  What do you think?  Just wondering? Jacquie.

[Enoch Choi, MD]

have you tried more frequent rinses?  that helps many of my patients

how about nasal steroids?

[cat33]

I have had everything you mentioned, except for loss of voice. Always the felling of something in my throat. Have had the thyroid test ,CT scan and everything else you mentioned. Even had an endoscopy. They found nothing wrong with me. I do the saline rinse about every two to three days helps for a while.
If you find any solution. Please post. cat33