Painless Lump In One Side of Throat

[RMGA28]

For roughly 6 months now, I've had the sensation that there's a lump in the back of my throat on the right hand side. Specifically, if I press on the back, under part of my jaw (in the soft area) and swallow, the sensation goes away. There is no pain associated with this feeling, but extreme annoyance. Recently, I've noticed 2 other things that COULD be related, but I don't want to jump to any conclusions. My right nostril is constantly clogged and no matter how hard I blow or snort, nothing comes from it. Also, my right chest (upper rib cage area) feels a dull pain every once in a while (not everyday)...almost as if my sternum needs to be popped or cracked. All of these issues have a tendency to get better and get worse with no real onset.

I've seen my PCP multiple times and these are the processes I've gone through:
-Barium swallow: a slight hiatal hernia was discovered, but not enough to be a cause for surgery.
-Ultrasound on neck in the affected area: no lumps or anything discovered.
-Blood levels test: nothing abnormal

From this, I've been placed on different medications to see what the issues could be:
-Heartburn medication for possible GERD: 1 month dosage that didn't seem to make a difference
-Multiple allergy/decongestants: Haven't noticed a difference when taking anything

Maybe some of my background would help to:
-I sleep on my stomach with my head turned to the left (so the effected area of my neck, chest, throat are against the bed/pillow)
-I lift weights regularly (if this could be the issue with my chest instead of being related to my throat)
-I smoke and drink
-Not over weight, but have a constant full/bloated feeling

[TheLightSeeker]

It's hard to connect the 2 events, however, nicotine is a drug and just like many other drugs, it could present withdrawal symptoms upon sudden discontinuation.
Cheers,
Niko

[tacolino]

Hi there. You have had the important tests to rule out a serious issue.

Years ago I developed a feeling of a lump in my throat. Lots of tests followed, all were clear.

I couldnt get it out of my head that it was cancer or something drastic.
Nothing made it go away, it was a nightmare,

Eventually i had a scope of the throat etc done to confirm there was no issue.

This re assured me and over the following week or two the feeling/sensation just went away.
This may be your issue too.
Its more of a stress/ anxiety issue than anything else.

[RMGA28]

I've read a lot about the stress/anxiety issue, too. Actually, most of the things I read with these symptoms talk about "Globus" and it basically being in my head.

[TheLightSeeker]

Could be the tar accumulating somewhere in your lungs
from the tobacco.
Tar is one of the substances that the body cannot excrete , causing gradual damage in the lungs, throat mouth.
Gas exchange can also be affected:
Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in maintaining airway dilatation and smokers may have constricted airways,
since NO synthesis is reduced in smokers.

Your symptoms are consistent with this observation.

I suggest you cut down for a while on the amount of weights, specially bench press in regards to chest pains.

Going low carb and gluten-free may help with the bloating. Avoid junk food. Optimize your diet!

There's a chance you may have yeast/fungal overgrowth.

Tobacco, alcohol, stress and carb intake are contributing
factors in Candida, a yeast/fungal overgrowth infectious condition.
Avoiding tobacco and alcohol would be very wise.

Discontinue the acid reducing drug for GERD (and the allergy meds), unless you have been tested that you have excessive gastric acid production.
If not, you stand to develop much more serious health problems than presently!
PPIs and in general acid-reducing meds are probably
the most erroneously prescribed drugs, with devastating long-term effects!!!
Follow the $$$ trail!

Best wishes,
Niko

[RMGA28]

I originally noticed this sensation when I had quit smoking for a little over 2 months. Do you think these two issues could have been related?