I have been suffering with a sensation of having something in the back of my throat, behind or below the right tonsil (is difficult to pinpoint exactly)for about 5 months now. it started feeling like a very small lump which feels to have got more obvious over time, although it occasionally becomes less noticeable for a few days or so, but then the sensation comes back stronger each time. It feels worse after eating as if some food is getting caught on the way down. I have no other symptoms although i do get bad tension in my neck and shoulder, could this be related? I’m a 23 year old female and have smoked for about 7 years. After several trips to my GP,and a 4 week course of lansoprazole he
has now refferred me to an ENT doctor, although I have to wait 2 months for a appointment. I have quit smoking, cut down on caffeen and drinking plenty of water with no change This feeling is driving me crazy now, and I worry all day long especially as it has been going on for so long.

Does anyone know what this could be, am getting really worried this could be something serious?

Doctor Joshua’s Answer

Feeling of lump in throat is quite common. Most often, fortunately, it is a harmless nuisance. The most common reasons for feeling a lump in throat are stress and anxiety. Once the feeling of lump in throat develops, it adds to the anxiety and leads to a vicious circle, thereby exacerbating itself. The most effective treatment is to get convinced that it is not a symptom of anything serious, then controlling stress and anxiety. That’s one reason to make an appointment with the doctor. The other reason is that while most throat lumps are harmless, there are some diseases that can cause a feeling of lump in throat, and some serious diseases that can actually cause a real lump in the throat. These must be first excluded by a physician. Apart from the psychological causes, some of the more common physical causes of lump in throat include gastroesophageal reflux, as was suspected in your case, and thyroid diseases. Of course, many others exist.

I’m happy that you’ve taken measures to limit your coffee intake and especially that you’ve quit smoking. I’m happy that you’ve seen your doctor and have a specialist’s appointment scheduled. If you have questions about the long wait for the appointment, please talk to your GP and ask him to explain his thinking to you.