A very common complaint on taking an otolaryngologist is a lump in the pharynx or globus pharyngeus - a "pharyngeal ball" in Latin. The sensation of a foreign body in the throat causes a lot of anxiety in patients, as people first of all have thoughts about the development of an oncological tumor. But medical practice shows that such suspicions are often groundless.
Causes of periodic sensation of a foreign body in the throat when swallowing
A generally accepted classification of all the factors provoking the occurrence of the problem under consideration:
1. Somatic reasons:
- gastro-esophageal reflux;
- swelling of the tongue of the soft palate;
- increased lingual tonsil;
- overstrain of laryngeal muscles with intensive voice loads;
- side effects of some medications;
- the presence of a foreign body in the throat, for example, a stuck food piece, a tablet;
- period after endoscopic examination of the stomach;
- overweight;
- mechanical injuries of the esophagus, pharynx or larynx;
- irritation of the respiratory tract (dust, cigarette smoke, fumes);
- varicose veins of the esophagus;
- stomach ulcer;
- diseases of the spine;
- vegetovascular dystonia ;
- diaphragmatic hernia;
- pathologies of the thyroid gland, accompanied by its increase;
- epiglottis syndrome;
- swollen palatine tonsil;
- benign or malignant neoplasm.
2. Psychogenic causes:
- neuroses;
- endogenous mental illness;
- depressive disorders;
- the need for psychological acclimatization;
- stress.
Sensation of foreign body and sore throat
Simultaneous appearance of pain syndrome and presence of a lump in the throat may indicate such violations:
- tonsillitis;
- pharyngitis;
- angina of the lingual tonsil;
- aphthous stomatitis;
- phlegmon of the bottom of the mouth;
- pharyngeal or paratonsillar abscess;
- epiglottitis;
- syphilis;
- sinusitis;
- adenoiditis ;
- fungal lesions;
- gonococcal pharyngitis;
- chronic kidney disease;
- myocardial infarction;
- previously conducted radiation or chemical therapy;
- angina pectoris;
- the Itenko-Cushing syndrome;
- diverticula of the esophagus;
- deficiency of minerals and vitamins;
- periodontitis;
- tuberculosis.
Given the large number of causes of temporary or permanent sensation of a foreign body in the throat, one should not engage in diagnostics alone. It is better to find out the nature of the origin of the symptom in question at the reception of specialists - a therapist, an otolaryngologist, gastroenterologist and neurologist.