Hello there.

I have been having the same problem as well with a strange and frustrating lump sensation feeling in my throat. I know this is stress related and normally symptoms will appear a few weeks after you had been under stress. Try not to think about it though its hard. Mine one is on and off too, but it seems to go away once I do something else. My friend had suffered from it but since she had her life back on track, the lump went away. Drink a lot of tea and try taking valerina which is a herbal remedy. You get them from tesco or boots. It will relax you and you will forget about the lump in throat. The most important thing is to rememmber that your throat is not going to close up, it is just temporarily and that is how your body deals with stress. I hope we will feel better soon, I know we will!!!!!!!!!!! We are not the only ones and people do feel better once you feel a bit of happiness. Freash air helps too!!!!!!!!!

Hi there jsandoval,

i am having these enxiety attacks as well. The feeling of a lump in my throat is not leaving me for the past two weeks. But I know it is all stress related because my lust tightness in throat was a month ago and then it went, so that means there is nothing physically wrong with me. Would you be able to recommend me those natural remedies or some muscle relaxants since you seem like you know what you are talking about. Thanks, lui

[quote="hypochondriac1028"]......

Hi there, sorry about not responding, but I think all of us here with the same problem and it is that damn lump in the throat. I know it is easy for me to say not to worry because mine one sometimes gets pretty big and scary. But I can tell you this much though. I have been having these problem all my life, but my last attck was somewhat 10 years ago. So it does go away, you just need to tell yourself that it is not going to kill you and there is nothing physically wrong with you!!!!!!!!!! Yes< it is stress, stress, stress and some of us dont even know it, trust me it is all subconcous. Try taking valering, it does help me, twice aday, sometimes even to the exent of forgeting my lump was ever there. Dont worry about it ebenthough I worry like hell, but to think about it it does go away. Where does it go then when I talk to my friends or enjoy time with my son or eat????????? See, that means nothing physically is wrong, it is all in our head. Trust me , stop thinking and it will go away!!!!!!!!

Globus hystericus. This old chestnut. The feeling of golf balls in your throat. This is a horrible thing to have. The more you think about it the bigger the lump grows!!!!

the only way I manage to get rid of it is to realise its there is because I am anxious. Its hard not to think about it as it seems like at any moment you will stop breathing.

I also found it gave me the phobia of eating out as I couldnt swallow anything. I still can't really eat out now....This has been going on for about 4years!! but i'll get there one day!!

I don't think there is a release from this problem.


I have been dealing with this problem for over 6 years now and there is no escape to it, you have to learn how to deal with it. In fact I found this post doing research because at the moment I am dealing the problem again and decided to archive what my experiences have been so it may help someone later.

I have this problem a bit more complex from what I have read on here. I have massive panic attacks when I get this “mental” lump in my throat, the panic attacks are so bad that I fear them so much that it just causes more panic attacks. I get this lump feeling every about 5 times a year and each episode last about 2 weeks. With-in the 2 weeks of time I have a series of mini panics attacks triggered by this feeling in my throat.

The panic attack starts with the feeling that I can’t swallow or that my air way is being restricted. I usually deal with the lump in my throat really good; good enough to not let it turn into a massive panic attack by taking a walk when I start getting the feeling of an attack coming. But sometimes you can’t control the mind. No matter what you tell your self, even if the facts out weigh the fiction that is created in your head. Once your mind takes off with the idea that you might not be able to swallow or that you can’t breath right, you body chemistry changes into a defense mode and there comes the panic attack.

In a lot of our cases this is a mental issue, not physical medical problem. However it could cause ware on your body in someway, in my case I don’t get to much sleep or eat well during this time causing physical ware on the body and health. Ambiem 10mg (AMB10) sleeping pills works great on these nights, not only does it allow you to sleep very well, it helps reduce you stress levels.

Next time that you start to feel that an attack is coming try to analyze the problem and take note what you were doing when it started. In my case I usually get the attacks when I have the lump feeling and too much time on my hands. Thinking about that lump in my throat too much causes this avalanche of thoughts that lead to the attack; those thoughts being I can’t swallow, I can’t breath or just the annoyance of the constant feeling. Also when I am in a car and I know I have nothing to drink to help swallow. I get most of my attacks in cars or that I feel that I can’t move around freely to get my mind off the lump, some say the attacks are from claustrophobia, but they are not. My work requires me to be in tight dark spots for long periods of time, but when I have this lump feeling I don’t dare risk an attack at work. My attacks are so bad sometimes that I fear their return for weeks after. During this time I lay low, I try to relax as much as I can and try to keep my mind busy until this lump goes away. Also what helps me calm down is a Vicks inhaler; I carry one on me all the time, I guess you can call it a security blanket. I have been prescribed a few different meds but the only one that works is original Xanax 2mg bar taken in 1/4ths. Before I was giving Xanax I would take Nightquil, Sudafed and other over the counter sinus related drugs to calm me. But really the best thing is to let the panic attack hit you, usually once you have had an attack you know that’s the rest of the journey is all up hill from there on. I fear these attacks so much that I can’t just let it come out.?.

Once you have had a serious panic attack, I think you are scared for life. That scary experience is now engraved to the back of your mind and just the thought of it would bring up the stress levels causing the grounds for the panic.

I don’t think I would wish these feeling on my worst enemies. The mind is truly a powerful thing.
I typed this really fast without really paying attention I hope this info help identify their problem.

I have had this now for 2 months going on 3. I have had every test you can think of done. you name it I've had it done. All My test came back good. I do have acid reflux which at times makes things worse in my chest and throat. Then I would have severe headachs my bp would shoot up. I was told I was having anxiety attacks although I could be thinking of nothing and there it was still in my throat.
I was told to try the dry wet diet of when you first wake up eat some toast or crackers to soak up any acid wait for at least 30 min before you drink anything.This really seems to help. Try not to get upset and let your throat rest as much as you can. I have 6 children of my own and I take care of my brothers daughter so I have alot on my plate so even though you may feel as if you are not stressed or upset if you are anything like me you hold it all inside and through out the years if we don't deal with it our bodies do. One way is Anxiety or stress.

About 6 years ago I had a huge anxiety attack out of the blue, my first one ever, I thought I was dying. It actually lasted for 2 months! So I don't really think you could call it an "anxiety attack." I've been on Paxil ever since, and have been more great than not. For the last 2 weeks maybe, I've had that annoying lump feeling in my throat. Down at the bottom of the neck, like in that soft space just below the adam's apple..I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about. For those of you who don't, take a pencil, or your finger, and put pressure into that space.
I'm not really under any stress either!
You know, it almost feels as if it's connected to the heart area, like it's somehow attached down into the sternum.
Is there anything someone can take for this? Ativan helps, but I have no plans of taking that all the time - an addiction I don't want or need. I'm really hoping there's something out there...

It was one of the most depressing things I ever had. I felt hopeless. The thing that worked for me was a vitamin B complex called "stress-eeze",..bought it at the drugstore. Went away in two days.

I had a lump in my throat/tight throat sensation last year due to the stress of relocating to London for 6 months. It was accompanied by occasional palpitations or racing heartbeat. I used to sip hot drinks (camomile tea works well) when it was at it's worst and try to ignore it as much as possible. I was lucky to have a good doctor who reassured me that it's a common, recognised complaint but isn't anything serious. The medical term is 'globus hystericus' I think. I still get it from time to time, usually when I'm inwardly stressed but maintaining a calm exterior (like when under pressure to meet a deadline at work or something) but it's almost completely gone away now. Obviously if you have any other symptoms or want some reassurance, it's worth visiting your doctor but otherwise maybe think about taking more time out to relax - have a hot bath, burn some insence oil, drink some herbal tea etc - or try and figure out what's causing the stress. Focussing on the throat thing only makes it worse - mine used to be all day from just after I woke up to when I fell asleep - but believe me, it won't last forever!

Yess i get that lyk i want to cry my throat clogs and aches funny x

Ya know how when you really cry you get that lump in your throat? I guess it is basically the same thing with anxiety attacks. I personally have never had that as part of my attacks, not to say it can not happen. Glad you asked you Doc about it.

Carrie

I've had this recurring over the last year . the first time, it lasted about 2 months, and each time after lasted for a shorter amount of time. I never really linked it with stress, although this article was VERY helpful. Just found it before finding this thread.
http://www.voicedoctor.net/therapy/cps.htm l
hope that helps.

Hi there,

Im training to be a counsellor... but ironically enough am i bigger worrier and panicker than some clients!

For the past few weeks I have felt similar symptoms as you all


I took a very bad cold and chesty cough which lasted well over a month in november last year... it resulted in me pulling a chest muscle from coughing so much. the pain is still there but fading now thankfully but in amongst this i suffered anxiety and stress from college exams, new job, and money worries over christmas. this culmulated into my panic attacks reaccuring, and i started worrying about alternative reasons for chest and back pain. my cousin suffered a collapsed lung, i began to experience more pain, insomnia and lack of appetite and worried that i wasn't able to breathe. my panic attacks got worse, and i was ocnvinced there was something seriously wrong. i went to the doctor 3times.

twice in regards to my chest/back pain and then last week i had an apnt as id experienced a bad panic attack which resulted in me not sleeping due to being convinced that my throat was closing over

the symptoms id been experiencing where a mixture of feeling of lump in throat, difficulty swallowing, light headedness, tightness of throat, chest pain, back pain, acid reflux, wind, tingling in hands, legs, arms, ear pain etc...

the doc thoroughly sounded my lungs, checked my throat and ears, thyroid and listened to me explain about my anxiety. but all he found was wax in one ear which may be causing catahhrr to travel dwn my middle ear into the thrpat. i was given decongestants. i feel the catahrr in my throat now and still suffer the lump feeling at times, however the anxiety decreasing has mde the symptoms decrease also. im drinking water, and hoping it helps. i have started takin a herbal tablt called 5-HTP which increases seratonin levels and helps against anxiety... id recommend them. they have helped me relax more already after one day and helped me sleep last night

Nexus31 i dont want to be patronising or condescending but have u ever considered counselling as a help. i am fully aware that stress causes this problem in me but i also know how hard it is to overcome the owrry and be rational... however i dont think you shoujld just "live" or "settle" with the problem. try counselling

As You Hve Anxiety........
Which Thats What I Have Been Diagnosed With You Seen To Know Alot About It .......

But i Think My Symphtomns Arre More Heart Problem Related?
For The Last Year i Have Had All These Symphtomns Mostly Constantly ?

Lower Jaw Pain
Shoulder Balde Pai....[Constant]
Chest Aches And Pain.....
Arm Pains Constant.......?
Top Of Stomach Weird Aches
Palpataions

I Would Just Like To Knw If You Hve ANy Of These .........Im Scared Im Gnna Die That i Gtta Heart Problem .....?
I Am Convinced Im Gnna Hve a heart Attack
Nuthin Relaxes This Pain Its Always Mostly There Somtimes Worse Than Other Times.............
IM SOOO SCARED !!!!

I often wake up with a lump in my throught...like I had swallowed my pills side-ways

I HAVE BEEN HAVING THE FEELING OF A LUMP IN MY THROAT FOR ABOUT A WEEK NOW,UNSURE WHAT IT IS,I CAN EAT AND DRINK BUT WHEN I SWALLOW I STILL FEEL THE LUMP THERE,DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT IT COULD BE AND HOW I CAN GET RID OF IT?

I had this problem a few years back. It was horrible and I would panic even more thinking I had cancer.

I think I know what you are talking about, I felt like I had a lump or something in my throat, maybe a numbness of sorts and difficulty swallowing, almost like I had forgotten how to. Eventually this went away. At the time the route of my panic attacks were related to drinking too much alcohol. There was also a period of time that I used to smoke marijuana somewhat frequently and that made it worse also. If you do either of these or drink lots of coffee try laying off a little.

At its worse, I used to go weeks at a time feeling like someone had a pillow over my face and unable to catch my breath, a horrible feeling. I also used to get sensations all over my body, that my skin was on fire.

I do not have many problems with panic attacks or anxiety now and I do not take medication. After losing weight and doing a cleanse and introducing healthier conscious eating habits, it just kinda went away. I think that what we take into our bodies is a huge factor to depression and anxiety and is very much overlooked.

I would recommend a cleanse and healthy diet to anyone suffering from anxiety, I suffered from serious debilitation anxiety for a few years that just went away when I started eating healthy and watched my consumption of caffeine and alcohol. I also had the added side effect of losing 65 lbs. Today I drink a couple of glasses of wine a night with no problems and do regular cleansing. The only time I get panicky is after a night out with friends and I drink to much alcohol, which is rare, when I have too much caffeine, or when I get off track and make not so good food choices.

Try it, I swear by it.

It's been months of the same symptoms for me too and tonight I was so worried I wanted to call 911 and go to the hospital. Thank goodness I tried to relax myself and got online to see if I could find out some info.

I know that I am a major worrier and let stress get to me more than the average person, but I didn't think it could cause all of this. I went to a cardiologist and took stress test and ekgs, and was told that all is fine. But with so many times feeling like I can't catch a breath and swallow, in conjunction with tingling in my neck and arm, I really had begun to believe he must've missed something. I've been thinking almost daily that I'm going to have a heart attack, stroke, or something and leave my babies without their mom. That thought freaks me out so much that it just gets worse. It's like a never ending cycle.

To see that so many other people are suffering from the same types of symptoms that I am makes me feel so relieved I feel like crying. At the same time I'm sorry that so many people are feeling like I have been cause it Sucks, lol. It gets lonely sometimes because I try to explain to my husband what I'm feeling like and he doesn't understand. So not only does he not get it or realize how bad it is, but it feels like its almost killing me to get enough breath to even be talking.

After reading through all of the posts and reading some articles on anxiety, stress, reflux, and any other word I found here, lol, I'm going to try a few things. I ordered some Valerian root to help with relaxation, I'm going to dust off an old hypnotheraphy cd for stress relief that I never actually used, and I've already been working on my diet, but I'm going to be more vigilant about it. Hopefully this will be enough to start to put these days of feeling horrible behind me.

Thank you to everyone who posted here. It made a major difference for me tonight. If there is anyone else who has done something that helped them out, please let me know. I'd really appreciate it.

Wow you all have helped me sooo much! I have had this lump in my throat off and on for years but this time it is worse. Dr. has me on Protonic for acid reflux . Also have had times where my voice gets very raspy, like something is wrong with my voicebox. So I read in the news of someone who died of esophagus cancer and the symptoms were me exactly!! I have been in a panic for a week . Am now going to make a appointment with a GI Specialist, but these post have helped me feel so much better! I think I am just a anxiety ridden nut that is causing all this to myself! Does anyone else experience raspy voice with this lump feeling?