Feeling a Lump in Your Throat Upon Waking: Causes and Solutions

Q: Feeling a Lump in Your Throat Upon Waking: Causes and Solutions

Hello： You may first schedule an appointment with the Department of Otolaryngology, Pulmonary Medicine, or Gastroenterology for an examination. <br>Wishing you safety and good health. <br>Sincerely, Dr. <br>Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospi

Feeling of a foreign body in the throat upon waking up?

Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask about a recent issue I've been experiencing.
When I wake up in the morning, I often feel a sensation of something stuck in my throat, and I feel the urge to cough it out.
When I do manage to cough it up, it is brown in color, and sometimes I even cough up blood, which makes it difficult to expel.
I would like to know what the problem might be and which specialist I should see.
Thank you.

Hsin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/18

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello: You may first schedule an appointment with the Department of Otolaryngology, Pulmonary Medicine, or Gastroenterology for an examination.
Wishing you safety and good health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2016/04/18

More Info

Feeling a lump in your throat upon waking, especially if accompanied by coughing up brown or bloody mucus, can be concerning and warrants a thorough evaluation. This sensation, often referred to as "globus sensation," can have various causes, ranging from benign to more serious conditions.
One common cause of this feeling is post-nasal drip, where mucus from the sinuses drips down the back of the throat, especially when lying down. This can lead to irritation and a sensation of a lump in the throat upon waking. If the mucus is discolored (brown), it may indicate the presence of blood or old blood, which could be a result of irritation or inflammation in the throat or sinuses.

Another potential cause could be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and a sensation of a lump in the throat. This is often accompanied by other symptoms such as heartburn or a sour taste in the mouth.

If you are experiencing coughing up blood, even if it is minimal, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Blood in the sputum can indicate a more serious condition, such as an infection (like bronchitis or pneumonia), or even more severe issues like a bleeding ulcer or lung disease.

Given your symptoms, it would be advisable to consult with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or a pulmonologist. An ENT can evaluate your throat and nasal passages for any signs of infection, inflammation, or structural issues. A pulmonologist can assess your lungs and airways to rule out any pulmonary conditions.

In the meantime, here are some general recommendations that may help alleviate your symptoms:
1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help thin mucus and keep your throat moist.

2. Humidify Your Environment: Using a humidifier in your bedroom can help prevent your throat from becoming dry overnight.

3. Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoke, strong odors, and allergens that may exacerbate your symptoms.

4. Elevate Your Head While Sleeping: This can help reduce post-nasal drip and acid reflux.

5. Practice Good Oral Hygiene: This can help reduce the risk of infections that may cause throat irritation.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you experience additional symptoms such as fever, difficulty breathing, or significant pain, it is essential to seek medical care immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes and alleviate discomfort.

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