Is the pressure/choking feeling in throat constant?

[Shherry]

Hi.  Just wondering .. for those that have had or have that choking, pressure or thumb pressing into  your neck feeling ... does it feel like that constantly or just intermittently (sp?!).

For me it usually starts in the afternoon and gets worse as the evening goes on.  When i wake up in the morning, it's much much better.  

So I am wondering is it acutally my thyroid (I do know it's slightly enlarged and a small nodule) or is it something else.

Thanks!!!!

[Dnmh]

Hey, something I can answer! I have morphea scleroderma so know a bit about this! What Scooter3 is refering to is called esophageal dismotility. What basically happens is the excess collegen replaces normal tissue in the esophagus. This is easily diagnosed by barium swallow. I've had 2 and don't have it.

I'm having something going on with my thyroid and have the same sensation of pressure, mostly around my collarbones that starts mid-day as pressure but by the time I'm in bed, it's painful. Internally, my throat hurts, but not a scratchy hurt, more of a muscular hurt. I've read that taking some ibuprophen at bedtime can help because it's caused by an inflammatory  process and ibuprophen is an anti-inflammatory.

[Barb135]

I'm having a barium swallow on Tues because of my long standing GERD - so is this what they would be looking for or are there other things they might find?  What treatment is used for this?  

I appreciate the input on this - I wasn't sure what the reason for the barium swallow was for and will do some more research into it; but I agree with you that I still have something going on with my thyroid.  The area of pain has expanded to include the front of my neck from just below my chin down to my collarbone.  

[Dnmh]

Longstanding GERD can cause Barrett's Esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition and can also cause the dismotility. The swallow will show if there is any area of the esophagus that don't have normal smooth muscle contractions.
As far as I know, if it's Barrett's, long term prescription acid medications such as Nexium to prevent further damage. IF, and that's a big IF, it's sclero related, mostly watching, preventing Barrett's and if it gets too closed up - esophageal stretching. Absolute worse case scenario, and I have a sclero friend with it, is a feeding tube and you eat through it at night. Based off your description though, and keep in mind, I'm a patient, not a doctor, it's not that. The dismotility would usually present with food, even small pieces, getting stuck in your esophagus and is felt internally, not in your collarbones.

Good luck with everything and let me know how it turns out!

[Rachel4]

Mine thyroid pressure and pain seems fluctuate.  Most days it's just a little pressure. But man there are some days where it's hurting and pushing against my throat. No rhyme or reason for this.

[Cynnieb4]

Ive noticed more I get stressed out when the thyroid chokes me. No acid reducers will help that. I guess we have to find ways to calm ourselves down.
dnmh, you sound like your having tension headaches. Ibus won't help that issue either, I have tried. Believe me! Maybe another round of tests soon???

[Dnmh]

Funny you mention tests! I just had a second US, several vials of blood drawn, including HIV, Hep, Diabetes, Cancer screen, Thyroid Antibodies and Dec 22nd, I get to have 3 biopsies on my leg, EMG, Sweat Test and Tilt Table testing! Neurologist thinks I have some kind of Autonomic Nervous System Disorder. I have some sensory loss in my ankles and feet and general muscle weakness and pain.