Wednesday 6 November 2013

Lump In the Throat



Please note that the following is a general guideline only. For a full assessment, exclusion of any other underlying cause for your symptoms and an individualised treatment approach, you will need to be seen by a qualified specialist.






DEFINITION

Some patients suffer persistent or intermittent sensation of a lump or foreign body in the throat. The medical term for this is Globus. 



WHO IS MOST AFFECTED 

Up to 40 % of the population been affected at some stage
Men and women are equally affected though women seek help more
Mostly middle age affected



WHAT IS THE CAUSE


A Sinister (Minority)
Mass,tumour in the throat, neck or thyroid can give rise to "Globus" these need to be excluded by endoscopy.

B Not sinister (Majority)
Acid reflux all the way to the back of the thraot- direct irritation of the throat
Acid reflux in to the food pipe: leading to muscle spasm in the throat
stress- muscle spasm in the throat
Bone protrusion from the neck-spine
Tonsil related
 Oesophagus- disorders with movement of the food along food pipe



WHAT WILL YOUR SPECIALIST DO? 


Taking a History
First he will take a clear history to identify the likely underlying cause. He will ensure that there is no sinister reason for your symptom. 


Examination
Your Specialist will do a complete examination of the Neck, Oral cavity, and perform a fiberoptic scope to make sure that is no abnormality near the voice box region


Diagnosis and Treatment
Above will help your surgeon diagnose most sinister pathology. If so he will organise other necessary investigations. 

If no obvious sinister pathology the most likely cause is laryngeal reflux. This will be treated, and if the patients respond it becomes clear that reflux was the main cause for symptoms. Patients usually need to be on longer term medications to control reflux. This is detailed in a separate topic written on "Laryngeal Reflux"

The other matter which needs addressing is stress. Stress is a major cause of a lump in the throat sensation. Often living in-the moment, doing yoga and simple meditation for 20 minutes twice per day is likely to help significantly. 
please look at the following clip on meditation and its health benefits. You have instructors who can guide you through in the Peninsula in Melbourne. 










Your surgeon may decide to follow you up, or refer you for other investigations including a complete endoscopy, under anaesthesia if necessary.













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