Persistent Throat Tightness After Choking: Causes and Solutions

After choking, forcefully swallowing can lead to a persistent sensation of a foreign body in the throat?

Hello Doctor: Earlier this year, I choked on peanuts and experienced severe coughing.
While I was still coughing, I swallowed again, and since then, I have had a persistent tightness in my throat, particularly between the larynx and the collarbone.
When swallowing, I feel pressure from my chin to my throat, which is accompanied by muscle tension that radiates pain to the back of my head.
Even when I try to relax, I feel that my neck and throat area cannot fully loosen up.
The intense muscle tightness forces me to frequently adopt a turtle-neck posture.
This condition has troubled me for six months, causing constant discomfort and insomnia, and it has affected my appearance as well.
I previously had symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and bloating, which improved significantly after taking psychiatric medication a few times.
However, after experiencing the sensation of a foreign body in my throat, I took the medication again without noticeable effect, leading me to believe that anxiety-induced autonomic nervous system dysfunction can be ruled out.

I have researched various related conditions online, including globus sensation, chronic pharyngitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and laryngeal tension syndrome.
Globus sensation is a term used in traditional Chinese medicine, with many potential causes, but the main symptoms include phlegm and the sensation of a foreign body in the throat.
After choking, I consulted a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and underwent acupuncture and neck manipulation, but I still cannot relieve the tightness in my throat and neck.
Moreover, I do not have much phlegm; it is purely a sensation of tightness and pressure.
As for chronic pharyngitis, I visited an otolaryngologist who noted slight inflammation in my throat but found no signs of a cold or infection, and there were no foreign bodies in the larynx.
The medication prescribed did not yield significant results.
I also consulted a gastroenterologist who diagnosed me with GERD and prescribed medication for bloating and gastritis, but there has been no improvement, and the sensation of tightness in my throat persists.

Regarding my symptoms, what should I do, Doctor?

Gong Yu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/07/02

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, the symptoms still resemble chronic pharyngitis caused by gastroesophageal reflux.
It is recommended to continue medication treatment and make lifestyle adjustments.
Improvement in chronic pharyngitis typically requires more than three months.
If there is no significant improvement in symptoms, it is advisable to continue follow-up visits at the outpatient clinic.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Jue-Yi Cheng, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2017/07/02

More Info

Persistent throat tightness after choking can be a distressing experience, and it seems that you have been dealing with this issue for quite some time. Based on your description, it appears that you have explored various medical avenues, including consultations with specialists in otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat), gastroenterology, and traditional Chinese medicine. Despite these efforts, the tightness and discomfort in your throat and neck region persist, which understandably adds to your frustration.

The sensation of throat tightness following an incident of choking can be attributed to several potential causes. One common explanation is the development of a condition known as "globus sensation," which is the feeling of having a lump or foreign body in the throat. This sensation can be exacerbated by anxiety or stress, particularly following a traumatic event like choking. The body's response to stress can lead to muscle tension in the neck and throat area, contributing to the feeling of tightness.

Another possibility is that the choking incident may have caused some degree of irritation or inflammation in the throat, even if it was not significant enough to be diagnosed as chronic pharyngitis or laryngitis. This irritation can lead to a heightened sensitivity in the throat, making it feel tight or constricted, especially when swallowing.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is another condition that can contribute to throat discomfort. Even if you have been treated for GERD, it is possible that acid reflux could still be occurring, leading to irritation of the esophagus and throat. Symptoms of GERD can include a sensation of tightness in the throat, especially after eating or lying down.

Given that you have already sought treatment from various specialists without significant improvement, it may be beneficial to consider a multidisciplinary approach to your symptoms. Here are some suggestions that may help alleviate your throat tightness:
1. Speech Therapy: A speech-language pathologist can help you with swallowing techniques and exercises that may reduce the sensation of tightness and improve your swallowing function.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): If anxiety or stress is contributing to your symptoms, working with a mental health professional may help you develop coping strategies and reduce muscle tension.

3. Relaxation Techniques: Incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation can help reduce overall muscle tension and promote a sense of calm.

4. Dietary Modifications: If GERD is a concern, consider keeping a food diary to identify any potential triggers that may exacerbate your symptoms. Avoiding spicy, acidic, or fatty foods may help reduce irritation.

5. Follow-Up with Specialists: If you haven't already, consider seeking a second opinion from a different otolaryngologist or gastroenterologist. Sometimes, a fresh perspective can lead to new insights or treatment options.

6. Physical Therapy: A physical therapist specializing in neck and shoulder tension may help address any musculoskeletal issues contributing to your throat tightness.

7. Medication Review: Discuss with your healthcare provider whether your current medications are appropriate and if any adjustments could be made to better address your symptoms.

In conclusion, persistent throat tightness after a choking incident can stem from various causes, including muscle tension, irritation, or reflux. A comprehensive approach that includes medical evaluation, therapeutic interventions, and lifestyle modifications may provide relief. It is essential to continue communicating with your healthcare providers about your symptoms and any changes you experience.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Throat Discomfort: Allergies or Something Stuck?

Hello, doctor. After eating fruit, I have a persistent sensation of something stuck in my throat. I have a history of allergic rhinitis. Could this be a symptom of choking?

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: Generally, if you experience persistent difficulty swallowing or continuous coughing after choking, it is recommended to visit an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist or a Gastroenterologist if the sensation of a foreign body does not improve. Wishing you safety and heal...

Understanding Throat Discomfort and Swallowing Difficulties: Causes and Solutions

Since June 11, I have been experiencing tightness in my neck, a sensation of something stuck in my throat, frequent burping, and difficulty swallowing, making me feel like I could easily choke. On June 15, I visited a nearby otolaryngologist, who diagnosed me with gastroesophagea...

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, the situation you described may be indicative of chronic pharyngitis. It is advisable to undergo laryngoscopy to rule out any masses, as well as to consider pharmacological treatment. In addition to medication, please pay attention to the following lifestyle recommendation...

Feeling Choked: Understanding Throat Tightness and Breathing Issues

Hello Doctor: This symptom has been occurring for a while, with an unknown trigger. It feels similar to a muscle spasm, but the difference is that it feels like someone is squeezing my neck, making it difficult to breathe. Sometimes it happens when I brush my tongue and stick it ...

Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
It is recommended to visit an otolaryngology clinic for a laryngoscopy examination. Wishing you good health.

Persistent Breathing Difficulties: Seeking Answers After 18 Months

Hello, Since I developed symptoms of shortness of breath after a fever last May, I have been experiencing a tight feeling in my neck and a sensation of exertion (even when relaxed). The tightest area extends from my neck up to the area under my chin (I do not have a double chin...

Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. Based on the X-ray and CT scan, you likely do not have any pulmonary parenchymal disease. 2. Since you have not experienced improvement with the use of bronchodilators (asthma medication), it is unlikely that you have asthma; please do not dwell on this diagnosis. 3. Th...