Ask a doctor on the topic of General medicine

Weird feeling in the throat

August 27, 2018 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Hello, it's been a long time, I'm a 25-year-old Lupus patient.. I have a small problem that I can't really find much information about on the internet... I must first say that I am generally fit and do not have any stomach or intestinal problems, however, for almost a week now I have had a kind of lump in my throat, which seems to be something psychological at first. However, it's not the kind of lump that makes it difficult to breathe or causes a feeling of tightness! It rather feels like a slight choking sensation that just won't go away... I don't have it in the mornings, when I haven't eaten anything yet. But as soon as I eat, it's fine for a while, and then it comes back and it's annoying. During that time, I can also feel hungry again, which I find strange... I have read about achalasia, but I don't have any swallowing problems or other symptoms, so I don't quite understand it. When I have to burp, I feel slightly relieved, maybe it's due to an imbalance of air? However, this can't be related to lung problems caused by Lupus, can it? Thank you and greetings.

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good day,

With lupus, I can't relate to this, and these symptoms don't match achalasia either, as they would have to make each swallow difficult.

I can imagine that the thyroid gland could cause some pressure, an ultrasound could provide some insight. However, I am not sure why the symptoms should improve after eating. Inflammations of the duodenum improve with eating, perhaps the symptoms are radiating from there to the throat.

You could try Iberogast, which facilitates the transport of food through the stomach and duodenum and is available over the counter. If that doesn't help, I would suggest blocking stomach acid for 2 weeks (consult your primary care physician, for example with Omeprazole) and checking the thyroid gland.

Ultimately, a psychological cause is still possible.

I wish you all the best!

Warm regards, Dr. Gehring