Help! Persistent throat tightness

I think I've finally got my reflux under control with the exception of one symptom that is extremely bothersome. I am experiencing throat tightness that does not want to go away! My first symptom was the sensation of a lump in my throat, which started in February. Then other symptoms developed. I was put on Prilosec, then Nexium, and finally Dexilant, the latter being the only one that has worked for me. I've also had my esophagus dilated. All of my symptoms have resolved, but the lump in throat sensation has turned into more of a tight feeling in my throat.

My doctor explained that this tight feeling is basically my upper esophageal sphincter responding to the reflux. However, if my other symptoms are gone, and the Dexilant has eliminated the acid, I don't understand why my throat is still tight. It only feels this way when swallowing saliva or dry swallowing. I'm fine when I eat and drink. I'd chew gum all the time if I could, but I have Invisalign braces so I can't do that. What's next? Another dilation? Cricopharyngeal myotomy? Muscle relaxants? Or will this slowly go away the longer I am on the Dexilant?

Anyone had this issue? Did it eventually go away? How was it treated? Any responses are very much appreciated!

hello there, glad to hear that majority of your symptoms did go away. How long has it been since you started taking your medicine? If you feel relief with ppi's, I think you should wait few weeks for your throat to recover. It can take some time

My follow-up is 07/09. I took Dexilant for a month prior to the endoscopy and he switched me to generic Prilosec 40 mg because of the cost. As Dexilant didn't affect the lump, it wasn't worth the fight to keep it. Prior to that from Fall 2010 on, I did 14 day courses of Prevacid or Prilosec (OTC based on what was on sale) here and there, but mostly used Pepcid 20 mg. I had a Barium swallow in Apr 2011 that was normal, but I didn't develop the throat problem until Fall 2011 and that sent me back to my PCP who referred me on to the Gi when the short course of PPI didn't help the throat issue. Once the throat problem started, it stuck with me pretty much. I think months of reflux finally caused this.

I am glad the Endoscopy showed reflux because at least that backs up what I have been going through. I really hope consistent treatment with a PPI will make a difference although I am not thrilled with taking one.

Doggbones- Thanks for the suggestion. I will give it a try. At this point I am trying not to panic about this symptom. The idea of a lifetime of this is not a pleasant thought, especially when you're only 25!

Unfortunately even though your acid is being suppressed you can still be getting reflux of other gastric contents up in your throat, this is what I get and it has caused crycopharyngeal dysfunction.

I find an ice pack on your neck followed by a hot water bottle helps ease the muscle tension slightly and exercises to open and stretch your jaw help with the swallowing.

Hope this helps,

Pink

Hi,

If you are having throat tightness but can still swallow easily then you are having crycopharyngeal spasms.

If you are having actual trouble swallowing you are having crycopharyngeal dysfunction.

There is a good video on youtube about it.

Hope this helps,

Pink

Hi Pink

Thanks for your reply.  I can swallow food but have a little difficulty with cold liquids, ie water.  I will view the YouTube info and see if it helps.  I definitely have had success with trying to stay stress free and talk myself calm and just try to relax my throat.  Is there treatment for crycopharyngeal spasms?  A pill I hope lol

Maeve

I can relate to this, unfortunately :( I've been having swallowing problems gradually getting worse over many weeks. At first the GPs said it was "just" anxiety - twice - and to seek therapy. Then another GP sent me for an endoscopy, which showed I have mild gastritis. The GP said today that the gastritis and reflux it causes has indeed been known to cause swallowing problems. I've been on Prilosec for a week, and he said give it another 2 weeks and if it's not made a difference, then he can switch the brand of PPI. I tested negative for H. Pylori, and he said the endoscopy showed nothing else going on, either in esophagus or stomach, that gave them any cause for concern. Somehow, this didn't comfort me as he thought it should.

I am working through my anxiety with CBT and have seen a psychologist, but I'm worried that this isn't enough. I read about cricopharyngeal dysfunction and watched that video on YouTube someone mentioned, and the doctor there sounds to be describing what I'm going through. I've been mostly on a liquid diet, with smoothies and protein shakes and soup broth, and have lost 8 pounds in 2 weeks. I just want to get back to my old self, but watching that YouTube video and a bit of internet research makes me think there's a problem with my muscle just not relaxing, and that means surgery. I find this really frightening, and confusing... why does this even happen in the first place?

My thoughts go out to KitKat and anyone else going through this very scary and very maddening situation. **hugs**

Hi Amorking2:

You are replying to a post that is 4 years old and most of the previous posters have not been active since then. You will probably get more feedback by starting your own thread.

Sharon