Something caught in my throat

F

flyajet

New member
Hello

I'm new here and just had a problem and wanted some advice. All day today I've been feeling like I have this solid matter (excuse my choice of words) caught in my throat, I've tried clearing my throat all day, drinking water over and over (which only lead to my having to go to the bathroom all day) and even swallowing food without chewing it in an attempt to make it go away. So far it just feels like it goes up my throat like I'm gonna cough it out then down a bit as if I'll swallow it but neither happens.

The details surrounding it I guess is that it about where my Adam's apple is and the lowest point has been a bit over my collar bone. So far it's bothered me so much that I just thought I could go to the hospital later and have them check what was in my throat or at least give me something to make me vomit so I could get it out.

Any Advice?
 
Sounds like you have a condition called dysphagia. It's medical term for any difficulty or discomfort when swallowing. I myself have had this happen to me on a number of occassions, although it rarely lasts long.
 
Most likely, a hospital won't consider this an "emergency" and won't help you out, but feel free to see your regular doctor or even an urgent care clinic (MUCH shorter wait than a hospital with these clinics, which is nice, and they are open many more hours than a regular doctor's office) if you are in a lot of discomfort.

I notice that I get this feeling at times for various reasons, but it does eventually pass. I have to TRY my best to just leave it alone and not aggravate my throat even more. Attempting to make the feeling go away usually makes it just last even longer for me. The first time I felt this, it was at the top of my throat and was visible if I stuck my tongue out in the mirror. Turns out it was tonsil stones. Mine were very painful and would sometimes bleed. They seemed to be allergy related (but no OTHER allergies) and when I moved out of the area, they stopped. Now I have certain medications that bother my throat and certain foods. I regularly take one pill that is a plastic capsule. If often gets stuck in my throat in the area you described or it scratches my throat on the way down (the pill has a small crease on it where the capsule is put together) and it will bother me for some time. I have found different "tricks" to help prevent this, such as turning my head to the side while swallowing the pill, taking it with applesauce, etc.


If something really does get stuck in my throat (like that pill for example), I will try to eat a piece of food that will push it down, such as a rolled up ball of bread. This usually helps, but if not, then often times you have your throat scratched or some kind of irritation, not an actual object. Throat irritation can definitely cause swelling and make it feel like there is something in there.

I'd give it a little time and try to leave it alone... if it is still there or gets worse after a few days, then look into asking your doctor! Good luck!
 
The area you describe is the location of the thyroid. I believe some thyroid related problems can cause swallowing issues. You may want to have a GP run a panel of thyroid tests (not just TSH, as that isn't always definitive).
 
I have had this experience a few times, and it is scary to say the least. I think with me, unchewed food just slipped away. What a terrible feeling that is - choking! However, it is my experience that bread can make choking worse, no?

PS - first poster: why on earth would you want to swallow food "whole" in an effort to "push" whatever is stuck!! That will make it worse...or cause you to seriously choke!! Even the idea of swallowing a pill/vitamin of sorts, I would avoid at that time.
 
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