knot/lump feeling in throat all the time for 6months

Hi Lisa:

I wish I had a concrete answer for you. About 5 months ago, I was experiencing something similar. Throughout that ordeal, I investigated this phenomenon, and also came up with Globus Hystericus. I did mention it to my ENT and he seemed to want nothing to do with treating it, because from what I read, there are underlying Anxiety issues involved. He mentioned seeing a psychiatrist or a neurologist.

At the time of my experience, I was also taking lorazepam. Only after taking it for about 4 months did I come to believe the lorazepam was creating more of an anxiety response in me, so I stopped taking it and most of my anxiety and that feeling in my throat subsided.

I still am experiencing some levels of anxiety, and the nerves in my throat often react to that and seem agitated. So, I don't know if anxiety is an issue for you, but it might be worth investigating. The more upset you become about this feeling in your throat, the worse it might be getting. The more you focus on it, the more you will notice the feelings. I will soon be seeing a neurologist, just to rule out any medical issues with the nerves, because my whole nervous system seems a bit messed up. But you might do the same, and also consider seeing some type of therapist. I have put that off for some time ... but I think there are some issues I need to effectively deal with in order to reduce my levels of anxiety.

I hope and pray you find the answers you need. God Bless!

On and off I had the same "feeling" for some two years, and still do.  A barium swallow revealed no clear answer.  Radiologist report said a "possible" aneurism (and he stressed possible as more of a guess).  It is intermittently felt, but if I focus on it I may notice it more.  My primary care provider (MD) didn't really know what to make of the complaint, but didn't suggest anything further.  I take 200mg of Ibuprofen when I note the infrequent pressure.  While sometimes I have low pain the Ibuprofen seems to help dissapate it.  However, I'm not sure if this is a warning or a non-problem.

Regards, Chuck

I have had a knot in my throat for years whenever a stressful thing happens.  In the past year it has gotten alot worse, with me having panic attacks thinking I can't breathe.  The doctor also diagnosed me with global hysteria, and put me on prozac.  After 3 months, I was uncomfortable taking the prozac and quit.  The knot never went away totally anyway.  It is very painful at times, sometimes bigger, sometimes smaller, but always, always there. I don't panic anymore, but it is still VERY uncomfortable.  My stress level is through the roof, for good reason with taking care of elderly parents and and addict daughter, among other issues. I figure the stress has got to show up somewhere physically.  I am not sure whether to go to an ear, nose, and throat guy or not.  My main doctor looked down my throat but saw nothing extra. 

It got worse when I was on napraxen for arthritis.  The warnings include swelling of the throat... great.  The orthopedic doctor said the knot could be cause of some acid reflux.  But the knot is the only symptom of acid reflux I have, it that is it.  I think its just the stress. 

Good luck with this.  I hope we both find answers.

Hi Lisa,

I have the exact same problem, for over 2 years now, started 8 m after my divorce.I am used to it, but hate it, its an  awful feeling, it rules your life to a big degree. I have done all kinds of tests with GI and ENT doctors, I started taking medicin for post nasal drip 14 days ago, - it actually seem to help, some days I don't feel anything, an some days just a little. I also take RX Nexium before dinner, and bedtime. How does your throat feel in the morning? Mine seems better. I took Xanax for a while but it didn't help. I even did yoga for 7 months/ 4days week to see if it was a muscle that was too tight. The yoga did wonders for me, but did not help my throat issue. 

Hi Its EvaMarie again,

Check this site: http://www.voicedoctor.net/therapy/cps.html

VERY HELPFUL, knowing its not in our head ...

Globus hystericus.

The sensation resembles the normal reaction of being choked up during events which cause grief, pride or even happiness. Suppression of sadness is the usual reason found for this and the symptoms can be relieved by crying.

The sensation can also occur during times of extreme stress when the whole body feels tense.

How is globus hystericus diagnosed?

There are medical problems which can be confused with globus, such as membranous webs which occur in the upper part of the oesophagus, spasm of the oesophagus, reflux of acid into the oesophagus, muscle disorders such as myasthenia gravis or lesions in the neck which result in a mass.

A careful history and physical examination can usually rule these out. In globus, the symptoms occur during certain emotional states, and do not worsen during swallowing. Food does not stick and the symptom is often relieved by eating or drinking.

There is no pain or weight loss.

Hi Lisa,

I am actually an (almost) 14 year old going through the same thing as you. I feel like there is a golf ball in my throat, and have also been to the ENT doctor, who said it was anxiety, and also give me a list of things i shouldn't eat. But that was almost a year ago. I am still really scared and have trouble breathing, but i have found that if you dont think about it, breathing is easier. And really, there is nothing there (i hope)! I have swallowed a gummy bear whole, without even gagging, so dont worry, your throat isnt closed, you can still eat. We just need to relax, and stop thinking about it!

Sincerely, Catherine age 13

Hi! I have a similar experience!

Answers:  Acid Reflux (GERD) & Anxiety

I've had my esphoghus dialated, which I would not suggest to anyone, for it did not help!

Nexium helps, but only if I take it daily for the rest of my life!

I would suggest Nexium in the A.M., one hour prior to food or any other medications!

Do not eat 3-4 hours prior to bedtime!

Most importantly channel the anxiety by excercising or taking brisk walks!

Also, I personally have to limit my dairy intake!

Good luck!

"Worry less and do more!"

That same feeling just appeared out of no where yesterday- it felt like a golf ball in my throat.  It wasn't sore, I'm in great health, good weight, eat healthy etc.  I couldn't figure this-  All in all  I AM under a ton of stress, but didn't "feel" stressed. A few minutes ago,  as I was eating a very ripe mango I could literally feel it going away.  It went from a golf ball feeling to a little pea on one side, not quite all gone, but a LOT better.  Today I will go out and get a couple more mangos- and some bananas( cuz one post said a potassium deficiency). I hope this goes away- I think its got to be something I'm not getting in my diet.-? km

I have the exact same issue going on. I have been treated for anxiety and panic disorder for the past several years. I am on meds for this. I have a constant feeling of a knot in the bottom part of my throat. Sometimes I even have difficulty breathing.  I told my doctor this and she said that it was a panic attack and upped my dosage on my medication. This has not helped at all, I think the knot feeling is even worse now. I don't know where to turn, or who to go to. I think my doctor thinks I'm crazy, but there is something going on. I am having frequent panic attacks, but they are not causing this, the knot is causing the panic attacks! I feel like I am going crazy. This is interfering with my life. I can't seem to do anything without thinking about this feeling. I am constantly clearing my throat, can't sleep, afraid to eat, I dont' know what to do.