Monday, March 16, 2009

Lump in throat feeling


A common symptom of stress, anxiety and panic attacks is a lump throat feeling. It is a feeling like a golf ball, fur ball is stuck in your throat, your tie is too tight, you are being strangled, or your throat feels swollen.

The problem with many sufferers, is their fears of a serious disease like cancer. In many occasions real lumps in the throat, such as a cancer, are not felt. That's why a cancer can get so big before it is discovered. The first thing you must do is to visit your doctor for a complete evaluation and diagnostic exams like: chest X-ray, endoscopy oesophageal manometry, videofluorography, barium swallow, blood tests, possibly an ultra sound examination.etc. Just knowing the tightness is not a sign of cancer frequently helps relieve the discomfort.

There are other physical causes of lump in throat sensation:

Cricopharyngeal spasm is a syndrome results from a spasm in the cricopharyngeus muscle. Feels like a golf or a tennis ball is stuck in the throat, the lump comes and goes depending on the day, symptoms are usually gone in the mornings and present later in the day and stress aggravates the symptoms. You will be better several weeks or a few months after, but almost immediately if you know what the problem is.

Larygopharrngeal reflux (LPR or 'silent reflux'): when the stomach contents reflux up to the level of the larynx, the disorder is called Larygopharrngeal reflux (LPR or 'silent reflux') which is very likely to cause symptoms such as chronic throat clearing, throat phlegm, changes in the voice and the notorious lump in the throat sensation.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is the recurring movement of stomach acid from the stomach back up into the esophagus. It causes a retrosternal burning sensation (heartburn).

Cervical spondylitis: there are sufferers with increased muscle tension in the neck and around the larynx causing globus.

Problems with your thyroid gland: enlargement and inflammation in the thyroid gland are quite common and can occasionally cause a feeling of lump in the throat.

Medications: antihypertensives such as diuretics and ACE inhibitors as well as antimuscarinics (used in treatment of irritable bowel, urinary problems and psychiatric conditions) can have irritating or drying effects on the throat and occasionally cause the lump sensation.

Medical conditions: infections and inflamations in cases of laryngitis, pharyngitis, and certain tongue disorders may cause lump in throat sensation.

People with stress, anxiety, GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) and panic attacks may experience a lump in the throat. After a medical evaluation that has excluded any physical problem, your doctor could conclude that there are psychological problems provoking the problem with your throat. You must beat your stress, anxiety or panic attacks and you will solve this feeling in your throat.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Lifestyle changes may improve stress-related physical symptoms


Here is the case of my friend Nina. This case indicates that stress-related physical symptoms may be improved through lifestyle changes.

Nina was a married young woman with many stomach problems (upset stomach, pain, cramps). She had many problems in her marriage. Her eating habits were bad (junk food). She had no time for herself. She had visited a dozen of health professionals, had all the tests done, and all the possible medication taken, but there was no improvement. Finally she decided to take the situation in her hands.

Ten months ago she made three major lifestyle changes:
1. She moved out of her marriage home, away from her husband. Guess what? Her stomach situation improved. She also mentioned me that she experiences problems with her stomach only when she has to contact her x-husband.

2. She changed her eating habits. No more junk food, no more fats. She has the time and the will to prepare healthy tasty meals. She has also kept a diary to discover foods provoking stomach upset.

3. She began a regular exercise and fitness program. Now she looks great, slim and fit.

Her conclusion is that her stomach problems improved through lifestyle changes.

If you experience problems with your stomach, try Nina's approach:
  • Reduce stress in your life.
  • Keep a stress diary to find sources of stress.
  • Solve or avoid any stressor in your life.
  • Relax. There are many relaxation technics.
  • Keep a regular exercise program.
  • Keep a diary of your eating habits and discover foods provoking your stomach problems.
  • Drink fresh water or fresh juices not cola-type drinks.
  • Eat healthy meals prepared at home, not junk food.
  • Live and enjoy your life.