A feeling of a lump in the throat is one of the commonest symptoms that is seen by ENT (ear nose & throat) specialists. It may be associated with incessant throat clearing, excessive mucus in the throat (or a feeling of excessive mucus in the throat), feeling of a frog in your throat, tickly feeling in the throat or hoarseness. Show Laryngopharyngeal reflux (throat reflux) remains a common cause of a feeling of a lump in the throat. A feeling of a lump in the throat may be also due to globus pharyngeus which is a condition where something is felt in the throat even though there isn’t something physically there. Globus pharyngeus is, however, a diagnosis of exclusion i.e. this diagnosis can only be arrived at when all other possible causes of the symptom have been excluded. Throat cancer may cause a feeling of a lump in the throat and this understandably is a great concern for many people. A detailed history of your symptoms is required. A careful examination of your neck, mouth and back of your throat is also necessary. Almost inevitably a camera examination (flexible nasoendoscopy) of the voice box and other parts of the throat will be needed to arrive at a diagnosis. A flexible nasoendoscopy examines your throat in much more detail than what can be seen by asking you to open your mouth. Very few people will need further investigations e.g. a scan or an x-ray. Mr Olarinde uses digital video endoscopic equipment to examine your throat at all the hospitals where sees patients. This helps him to make an accurate diagnosis on your first attendance. What does a lump in the throat feel like?A lump in the throat is usually painless, although it can be quite uncomfortable and annoying. Many people complain of a ‘frog in the throat’ feeling, as well as a tickly sensation. It can also feel as though something is obstructing the throat. Depending on the cause of the lump, you may have some difficulty swallowing. What causes a lump in the throat?The good news is that many causes of a lump in the throat are not dangerous, although they can be uncomfortable. Common causes include irritation from throat clearing, excessive mucus due to allergies, and tightness in the throat caused by stress and muscle tension. Other common causes include laryngopharyngeal reflux (a type of acid reflux in the throat) and globus pharyngeus, which creates a feeling of a lump with no underyling cause. Should I get a throat lump checked out?It’s advised that anyone who has a feeling of a lump in the throat alongside other symptoms such as pain (particularly a sore throat), difficulty swallowing, ear pain on one side, weight loss, or a persistent voice change, should arrange to see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. It’s also important to see a specialist if your symptoms don’t resolve themselves after a few days, or simply if you’re feeling worried or concerned. A sore throat is a common reason to see a doctor. Most of the time, it is a symptom of allergies, a cold, or the flu. While a sore throat can be painful, it is usually not serious. However, when a throat is sore on only one side, it may be a sign of a different illness or condition. In this article, we look at nine possible causes of a sore throat on one side. We also discuss when to see a doctor..
The body’s lymph nodes act as filters, helping to identify and trap germs, such as viruses and bacteria, before they can infect other areas. As they do this, the lymph nodes may swell up and become sore. The lymph nodes closest to the throat are on either side of the neck. These nodes can cause a feeling of soreness when they become swollen or inflamed. Many illnesses and infections lead to swollen lymph nodes. Sometimes only one node in the area is sore, which can cause a sore throat on one side. Some conditions that may lead to swollen lymph nodes include:
Many common viral illnesses, such as a cold or flu, can cause a sore throat. In these cases, the throat may only be sore on one side. When the nose is congested, mucus and fluid drain down the back of the throat. This is known as postnasal drip. Continual drainage can irritate the throat, leading to a feeling of soreness or scratchiness. A specific part of the throat may become more irritated by drainage. It may feel like one side is raw and inflamed. Antibiotics cannot treat or weaken viral illnesses. If a cold, flu, or another viral illness is causing the sore throat, treatment will likely involve rest and fluids. Tonsillitis describes inflammation of one or more tonsil. The tonsils are located at the back of the throat, and a virus or bacterium usually causes the infection and inflammation. An infection in just one tonsil can cause pain on one side. It may also cause a fever, trouble swallowing, and noisy breathing. Bacterial tonsillitis usually resolves with antibiotic treatment. Share on PinterestA peritonsillar abscess requires immediate medical attention.An abscess is a contained, pus-filled lump within tissue. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection. A peritonsillar abscess forms in the tissues near the tonsils, usually when tonsillitis becomes severe or is left untreated. It may cause intense pain on one side of the throat. It may also cause fever, swollen lymph nodes, and trouble swallowing. A person with a peritonsillar abscess requires urgent medical care. In severe cases, it can interfere with breathing. The abscess may need to be drained by a doctor. Antibiotics are also used to treat the underlying infection. Many things can injure the back of the mouth or throat, including:
If one side of the throat is sore from being scraped or burned, gargling with warm salt water may help to soothe symptoms. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that causes the stomach’s contents, including stomach acid, to back up into the food pipe and throat. GERD may be worse at night and when lying down. If stomach acid backs up when a person is lying on their side, it may lead to soreness on one side of the throat. Other symptoms of GERD include:
If GERD goes untreated for too long, it can damage the food pipe and throat. The condition is treatable with medications and lifestyle changes. As the name implies, this viral illness usually causes sores to form on the hands, feet, and mouth. Sores can develop in the back of the mouth, near the sides of the throat, and one side may be more affected than the other. Hand, foot, and mouth disease usually occurs in children under 5 years of age, but it can also spread to older children and adults. The recommended treatment usually comprises rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medication for pain relief. However, the disease can cause dehydration, especially in young children. A person should see a doctor if they are unable to drink. Overusing or misusing the voice can lead to lesions or sores on the vocal cords. A lesion may form on one side, causing one area of the throat to be sore. A person with a vocal cord lesion will usually notice a change in their voice, such as hoarseness. These types of lesions are usually treatable. Resting the voice and vocal therapy are typically used to correct vocal cord lesions. In some cases, lesions will require surgery. While they are among the least common causes of a sore throat, tumors can affect the throat and surrounding areas. They may be benign or cancerous. A tumor can cause soreness on one side of the throat. It may be located in the back of the throat or tongue, or in the larynx, which is commonly known as the voice box. Usually, a tumor will also lead to symptoms that do not occur with common infections and illnesses. Possible additional symptoms include:
If a throat is sore on one side, the cause is usually a minor viral infection, such as the common cold. However, it is important to see a doctor if the following symptoms also appear:
Read the article in Spanish Is a lump feeling in the throat serious?A lump in the throat, or globus sensation, is the painless feeling of tightness, fullness, or something in the throat. Globus sensation is usually not worrisome and may go away on its own. If you have globus sensation that persists or comes with other symptoms, see your healthcare provider to have it checked.
What does the beginning of throat cancer feel like?Changes in your voice, such as hoarseness or not speaking clearly. Difficulty swallowing. Ear pain. A lump or sore that doesn't heal.
What is the ball on the side of my throat?The lymph nodes closest to the throat are on either side of the neck. These nodes can cause a feeling of soreness when they become swollen or inflamed. Many illnesses and infections lead to swollen lymph nodes. Sometimes only one node in the area is sore, which can cause a sore throat on one side.
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Feels like lump on left side of throat
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