Larynx Clinic

The Feeling of a Lump in the Throat (Sensation of Food Stuck in the Throat)

Many people complain: "I often feel like something is stuck in my throat, especially when I'm upset." This common complaint usually does not indicate a serious medical condition. The patient should consult both a gastroenterologist and an ENT specialist. If the examination results are normal which is often the case then the patient can be reassured that it is a common and harmless condition triggered by stress or emotional distress. However, if an actual condition is found, such as chronic pharyngitis, hiatal hernia, or acid reflux, appropriate treatment should be administered and the patient can rest assured. But if the sensation appears specifically after eating, it may indicate a more serious underlying issue. Diagnosis can be more difficult in such cases, and specialized swallowing studies like FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) or VESS (Video Endoscopic Swallowing Study) should be conducted for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Persistent and worsening throat lump sensations that are unrelated to emotional stress often indicate a more significant medical condition.

Laryngeal Spasm :

Sometimes a person may feel as though something is choking them, and the harder they try to breathe deeply, the worse it gets—their breath becomes louder and breathing more difficult, even though their pulmonologist confirmed their lungs are healthy and they do not have asthma. This is likely due to a condition known as laryngeal spasm , which often occurs when a person is emotionally upset, or after choking on food, drink, or even saliva. Often, the exact cause is hard to determine. If a laryngeal spasm occurs, the patient should breathe in slowly and exhale quickly— slow inhale, fast exhale . This is the opposite of the instinctive deep and fast inhalation that actually worsens the condition due to increased laryngeal closure (based on physics). The patient should be reassured that this is a generally benign condition and does not lead to actual suffocation. Still, an ENT consultation is recommended to rule out other causes.

Vocal Cord Paralysis

Sometimes, the vocal cord becomes paralyzed, causing changes in voice and breathing. The vocal cords serve several vital functions: Producing sound: The two true vocal cords come close together and vibrate rapidly (like clapping) to generate sound, which is then transformed into speech by the palate, tongue, and lips. Allowing airflow: During breathing, the cords separate to let air in and out. Protecting the airway during swallowing: The larynx tightly closes to prevent food and liquids from entering the airway. If one vocal cord is paralyzed, it remains distant from the other, preventing proper vibration and resulting in: Weak or hoarse voice Air leakage while speaking Choking on liquids due to improper closure during swallowing If both vocal cords are paralyzed, they stay in contact and cannot separate, causing severe breathing difficulty . The nerve that controls the vocal cords travels a long path from the brain, down to the chest or lower neck, and back up to the larynx—making it vulnerable to damage from: Brain, neck, lung, or thyroid diseases Surgeries in those areas Infections and neurological disorders There are also other types of vocal cord paralysis that do not cause typical hoarseness but other voice changes. These require advanced diagnostic expertise. Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause, and in most cases, can significantly improve the patient's condition.

Dr. Redwan Kalash

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Latest Articles

The Feeling of a Lump in the Throat (Sensation of Food Stuck in the Throat)

Laryngeal Spasm :

Vocal Cord Paralysis

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