Throat Discomfort and Morning Mouth Sounds: ENT Insights

1. There is a sensation of something stuck in the throat. 2. There is a sound when the mouth is opened?

Hello, I would like to ask two questions.

1.
My throat (specifically the lower part) makes a sound similar to a hiccup every afternoon until I fall asleep at night, and I feel like there is air trapped in my throat.
Sometimes I need to cough to clear my throat, and by the evening, it becomes very uncomfortable, even making me feel like gagging.
After gagging, I feel some relief, but when I lie flat, there are no issues.
I went to the hospital for an endoscopy, and nothing was found; everything was normal.
2.
Every morning when I first open my mouth, there is a popping sound, and this has been happening for over six months.
What should I do? Thank you very much for your response.

S, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/26

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology

Hello,
1.
The symptoms you described regarding your throat (specifically the lower part) producing a sound similar to a hiccup every afternoon until you fall asleep, along with the sensation of air being trapped in your throat, and the need to cough to clear it, could indicate chronic pharyngitis.
It is advisable to undergo a laryngoscopy to rule out any masses and consider medication for treatment.
In addition to medication, please be mindful of the following lifestyle recommendations: avoid lying down for at least two hours after eating, and steer clear of coffee, tea, cigarettes, alcohol, fried foods, and spicy foods, as these can help improve your symptoms.
2.
The sound you experience when you first open your mouth in the morning, which has been occurring for over six months, may be related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) inflammation, often associated with occlusion issues.
It is recommended to avoid hard foods and consult a specialist in TMJ disorders for further evaluation.
Wishing you good health and safety.

Reply Date: 2022/08/26

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your questions regarding throat discomfort and morning mouth sounds. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing two distinct issues: a sensation of air being trapped in your throat, accompanied by a hiccup-like sound, and a popping sound when you first open your mouth in the morning. Let's explore these symptoms in detail.

1. Throat Discomfort and Hiccup-like Sounds
The sensation of air being trapped in your throat and the associated sounds could be related to several factors. One possibility is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort. Even if your endoscopy did not reveal any issues, GERD can sometimes be present without visible damage. Symptoms can include a sensation of a lump in the throat, frequent throat clearing, and discomfort that worsens when lying down.

Another potential cause could be laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), which is similar to GERD but affects the throat and voice box. This condition can lead to throat irritation, a feeling of something stuck in the throat, and even chronic cough or dry throat.

Additionally, muscle tension dysphonia could be a factor. This condition arises from excessive tension in the muscles around the larynx, which can cause discomfort and unusual sounds when swallowing or speaking.

Recommendations for Throat Discomfort
- Dietary Modifications: Avoid spicy, acidic, or fatty foods that can exacerbate reflux symptoms. Eating smaller, more frequent meals may also help.

- Hydration: Ensure you are well-hydrated, as dry throat can contribute to discomfort.

- Posture: Maintain an upright posture after meals to help prevent reflux.

- Relaxation Techniques: Stress can exacerbate muscle tension. Techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation may help alleviate symptoms.

- Consultation: If symptoms persist, consider consulting an ENT specialist or a gastroenterologist for further evaluation and management.

2. Morning Mouth Sounds
The popping sound you hear when you first open your mouth in the morning could be related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. The TMJ connects your jawbone to your skull, and issues with this joint can lead to clicking or popping sounds, especially after periods of inactivity, such as sleep. This can be exacerbated by teeth grinding or jaw clenching, which often occurs during sleep, particularly in individuals experiencing stress.

Another possibility is air trapped in the joints of the jaw or even sinus pressure, which can create sounds when you move your jaw after waking.

Recommendations for Morning Mouth Sounds
- Jaw Exercises: Gentle stretching and relaxation exercises for your jaw can help alleviate tension and improve joint function.

- Avoid Clenching: Be mindful of clenching your jaw during the day. If you suspect you grind your teeth at night, a night guard may be beneficial.

- Hydration: Ensure you are adequately hydrated, as dry mouth can contribute to discomfort and sounds.

- Consultation: If the popping persists or is accompanied by pain, consider seeing a dentist or an oral and maxillofacial specialist for evaluation.

Conclusion
Both of your concerns—throat discomfort and morning mouth sounds—are common and can often be managed with lifestyle modifications and awareness of your habits. However, if symptoms continue to interfere with your daily life, it is essential to seek professional medical advice for a thorough evaluation and tailored treatment plan. Remember, your health is paramount, and addressing these issues early can lead to better outcomes. Thank you for your questions, and I hope this information helps you find relief!

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