Globus sensation

This afternoon I had my first appointment with an ENT. When I told the doctor my symptoms (lump in throat, burping, bloating), he asked if any of the doctors I had seen thus far had actually looked at my throat. I told him no. He was not happy with that response. Given that the lump in throat is my primary symptom, I guess it did not make logical sense that no one has looked down my throat. I've been thinking this for the past two months!

Upon looking down my throat, the doctor found..... NOTHING. No ulcers. No polyps. Not even a trace of inflammation. He asked if I was dry swallowing a lot (yes) and if the sensation of the lump went away when I ate or drank (yes). Apparently this condition has been brought on by my dry swallowing. I feel like there is something in my throat, so I dry swallow. It's self-perpetuating. Break the habit of dry swallowing and the feeling of the lump will eventually go away. I was told to drink water, chew gum, or use sugar-free hard candy so that I am always swallowing something. My throat should eventually relax and then I will eventually no longer feel the need to dry swallow. So, if you have this problem, the best thing you can do is stop swallowing when there is nothing to actually swallow.

The best part? I do not have LPR!!!

The ENT isn't even sure that I have reflux, since none of my symptoms are responding at all to the PPIs. In two weeks I go back for a pH monitoring test. It doesn't sound like much fun. A bit nervous....

I think the dry swallowing causes the muscles in the throat to tense up. My doctor also asked me if I was an anxious person. I do tend to get anxious over little things, so in my case, anxiety is probably adding to my issue. In January I lost a very dear pet that I had since childhood. The lump in throat symptom appeared shortly after that. Then I was told I potentially have GERD, which made me even more anxious.

Since this feeling is from muscle tension, I would think maybe a hot or cold compress on the throat might help the muscles relax. I am going to try this later tonight. Will post if it is effective. I also read that stretching and massaging the throat can help. Sit with your back straight and tilt your head back as far as possible, then move it from side to side. Then massage your throat, moving your fingers lengthwise. It helped me a little bit.

I've got my fingers crossed on the air swallowing theory. Tonight I had one of my favorite foods for dinner, spaghetti with a little tomato sauce. I only burped twice. Maybe this is a good sign.

ericapeace2000-

What did your doctor suggest for the spasms? Do they eventually go away with regular treatment for reflux?

Can you have the E. spasms w/o pain? Most of the reports of people having spams report pain when it happens.

I have no pain, only the globus feeling when I swallow, which must be due to some swelling of some point of the esphogael mechanism from I would think. It's not painful just annoying, and the throat clearing/hoarseness.

I jus wish I knew what would help to clear it up. It's been 4 weeks on PPIs and for the most part I've followed a diet that kept out tomatoes, citrus, spicy food, etc. I still have one coffee per day, as I just can't give up everything I enjoy.

I just can't imagine a lifetime of this swallowing lump feeling. There must be a way to heal it.

If what I am having is spasms, I don't have any pain with them either. Just the lump in my throat. My ENT explained if avoiding dry swallowing is not effective, it could be a reflex; the throat will tighten up to keep the acid out. So you might be on the right track with swelling idea. Even if acid is not coming up, the throat may respond in the same way to pepsin and bile reflux, which could be why the PPIs aren't working. I guess I'll find out when I have the pH test done in a few weeks. Can't wait to have a catheter sticking out of my nose!

Last night's test with the cold compress on my throat was unsuccessful. Tonight I will try the warm compress and see how that goes. I must agree that the gum is really very helpful!

If this is reflux, I just want to have surgery and get it over with. Like you, Cylon, I can't imagine the rest of my life with this darn lump!

The problem with refllux and related conditions is that it requires more than just medication (which is not good long term ) it requires a huge change in diet and lifestyle. The change can be challanging as you learn to live a different way. I was on a PPI and stayed away from most of the "trigger" foods but that was not enough. It was not until I completely changed my diet that I saw any changes. I have learned a lot from this board and I will continue to try and lean everything I can about this condition as I make my quest to heal. My only regret is that I did not do this sooner.

Cylon, what are you symptoms now?

Erica

Lump sensation when I swallow. Occassional hoarseness of voice which gets tired if I have to speak at a loud volume for long.

Throat Clearing.

If I drink really cold water I can sometimes feel a dull pain as well.