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I Have A Feeling Of Something Stuck In My Throat
Question: I have a feeling of something stuck in my throat (but I don't have problems swallowing). It comes and goes but has been more consistent over the last week. I also may have sleep apnea and not sure if this has gotten a little worse since I have had the ‘something stuck’ feeling.
I have been told before to take PPIs for reflux and silent reflux as I don’t often feel acid. 5 years ago an endoscopy showed a little inflammation in the oesophagus. I do feel it if I lie down to soon after a meal or of I eat certain foods like biscuits or have alcohol on 3 consecutive nights. I have yet to take PPIs as I don’t want to take them long term and am not sure that if a 6 week course as suggestion will permanently solve the situation or provide 6 weeks of relief
On the other hand, I think I may have low stomach acid. I noticed acid coming up did not occur if I drank an acidic drink with my meal or talk apple cider vinegar before. From the home baking soda test first thing, no belching which is an indication of no/low acid. I also have other health conditions that could be caused or related to low stomach acid. If I have low stomach acid however, PPIs will not help? Is it more likely with the feeling of something sticking in my throat that it's too much acid and therefore I should take PPI? HCL or PPI?
I have been told before to take PPIs for reflux and silent reflux as I don’t often feel acid. 5 years ago an endoscopy showed a little inflammation in the oesophagus. I do feel it if I lie down to soon after a meal or of I eat certain foods like biscuits or have alcohol on 3 consecutive nights. I have yet to take PPIs as I don’t want to take them long term and am not sure that if a 6 week course as suggestion will permanently solve the situation or provide 6 weeks of relief
On the other hand, I think I may have low stomach acid. I noticed acid coming up did not occur if I drank an acidic drink with my meal or talk apple cider vinegar before. From the home baking soda test first thing, no belching which is an indication of no/low acid. I also have other health conditions that could be caused or related to low stomach acid. If I have low stomach acid however, PPIs will not help? Is it more likely with the feeling of something sticking in my throat that it's too much acid and therefore I should take PPI? HCL or PPI?
Brief Answer:
Globus pharyngeus
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.
You have symptom of globus pharyngeus.
The causes include gastroesophageal reflux disease and post nasal drip due to sinusitis.
If you have history of allergy, nasal stuffiness and discomfort in the sinus area , post nasal drip is likely. Chronic Sinusitis can be confirmed with CT paranasal sinuses.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is the other common cause of globus phrayngeus.
You can get a 24 hours pH monitoring test which will help you know whether you have reflux. Alternatively you can take a course of PPI. If there is relief of symptoms it confirms reflux.
One course of PPI will not cure reflux permanently. It will only provide relief from the current episode.
To prevent recurrence certain lifestyle and dietary changes are to be done.
1. Reduce weight if obese
2. Avoid smoking and alcohol
3. Avoid coffee, citrus, chocolates , fatty food, tomatoes
4. Avoid large meals and eat multiple frequent smaller meals
5. Go to bed 2-3 hours after food
6. Follow stress relief methods as stress can worsen reflux.
Regards,
Dr.R.K
Globus pharyngeus
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.
You have symptom of globus pharyngeus.
The causes include gastroesophageal reflux disease and post nasal drip due to sinusitis.
If you have history of allergy, nasal stuffiness and discomfort in the sinus area , post nasal drip is likely. Chronic Sinusitis can be confirmed with CT paranasal sinuses.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is the other common cause of globus phrayngeus.
You can get a 24 hours pH monitoring test which will help you know whether you have reflux. Alternatively you can take a course of PPI. If there is relief of symptoms it confirms reflux.
One course of PPI will not cure reflux permanently. It will only provide relief from the current episode.
To prevent recurrence certain lifestyle and dietary changes are to be done.
1. Reduce weight if obese
2. Avoid smoking and alcohol
3. Avoid coffee, citrus, chocolates , fatty food, tomatoes
4. Avoid large meals and eat multiple frequent smaller meals
5. Go to bed 2-3 hours after food
6. Follow stress relief methods as stress can worsen reflux.
Regards,
Dr.R.K
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Thank you. GERD and PPI is one option
Why do you discount low stomach acid? Can that not cause reflux as well? If my reflux is helped by apple cider vinegar/drinking acidic drink with food, does this not point to low stomach acid? Or is that unlikely to create the feeling of something stuck in my throat?
Thanks
Why do you discount low stomach acid? Can that not cause reflux as well? If my reflux is helped by apple cider vinegar/drinking acidic drink with food, does this not point to low stomach acid? Or is that unlikely to create the feeling of something stuck in my throat?
Thanks
Brief Answer:
Answer given below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for getting back to me with more questions.
Low stomach acid does not cause reflux.
But there are other types of reflux like bile reflux where the reflux content is alkaline and not acidic.
Regards,
Dr.R.K
Answer given below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for getting back to me with more questions.
Low stomach acid does not cause reflux.
But there are other types of reflux like bile reflux where the reflux content is alkaline and not acidic.
Regards,
Dr.R.K
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Brief Answer:
Answer given below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for getting back to me with more questions.
Nexium alone is not sufficient.
As said earlier , in addition to PPI, you need to modify your lifestyle and diet also which I have suggested in my earlier post.
You need to take Nexium for 4-8 weeks.
Once you change your lifestyle and diet as suggested and also start taking Nexium, you can feel the difference in a couple of days. But continue taking Nexium for 4-8 weeks .
Regards,
Dr.R.K
Answer given below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for getting back to me with more questions.
Nexium alone is not sufficient.
As said earlier , in addition to PPI, you need to modify your lifestyle and diet also which I have suggested in my earlier post.
You need to take Nexium for 4-8 weeks.
Once you change your lifestyle and diet as suggested and also start taking Nexium, you can feel the difference in a couple of days. But continue taking Nexium for 4-8 weeks .
Regards,
Dr.R.K
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Thanks. My final question to bring this to a close. With a 20mg/day Nexium PPI dose, how many weeks needed do you think to assess if throat symptoms improve?
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