Bumps Beneath the Chin
For several years, I have noticed two lumps located beneath my chin, one on each side. Occasionally, I experience a sensation similar to choking that fluctuates in intensity. I also sometimes feel a sort of unsteadiness within my head. F31, 160 cm, 76 kg
Answers (1)
7/4/2025, 9:20:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about the lumps beneath your chin and the accompanying sensations you’ve described. The bumps you are feeling could be swollen lymph nodes, cysts, or other conditions, but they often indicate a benign issue. However, the choking sensation and head unsteadiness are worth noting as well.
Explanation
The lumps could be lymph nodes reacting to an infection or inflammation in the area, or they could represent benign cysts or lipomas (fatty tumors). The choking sensation might be linked to pressure on the throat or esophagus due to the lumps, while the unsteadiness could indicate something unrelated or stress-related.
Given the variety of symptoms, it's important to focus on understanding what your body is telling you and address immediate aspects of your health.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in the size of the lumps, the intensity of the choking sensation, and the feelings of unsteadiness. Note if you have any accompanying symptoms, such as fevers, weight loss, or difficulty swallowing.
-
Self-Care:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids. This can help if throat discomfort/pain is contributing to your choking sensation.
- Rest: Ensure you are getting enough rest, as stress and fatigue can exacerbate feelings of unsteadiness.
- Gargle Salt Water: If you feel throat discomfort, gargling with warm salt water may provide some relief.
-
Diet Consideration: Pay attention to foods that may cause throat irritation or sensations of choking, such as spicy foods. Eating smaller, more frequent meals may help reduce discomfort.
-
Record Findings: Consider keeping a daily journal for a week noting your symptoms. This will help clarify patterns and identify what may trigger feelings of unsteadiness.
-
Assess Lifestyle: Reflect on any recent changes in health, work, or lifestyle stressors that could be contributing to your symptoms.
If your symptoms persist or worsen, especially if you have new symptoms developing, it would be advisable to seek professional medical attention for a thorough evaluation, which can include physical examinations or imaging if necessary.
Related Questions
Pushing Boundaries or Overdoing It?
For several years, I was an active competitive cheerleader, which meant my body was constantly in motion and often sore due to rigorous practice sessions, especially during competition periods. When I transitioned to college and stepped away from cheerleading, I paused my workout routine. This hiatus led to feelings of guilt over my inactivity and sparked a desire to shed some pounds. Consequently, I began monitoring my food intake, utilizing a scale to track my macronutrients. I focused on increasing my protein consumption, something I previously struggled with due to my picky eating habits regarding meat. Around the same time, one of my roommates was dealing with disordered eating, which influenced my own mindset and behaviors, pulling me into a similar downward spiral. During a difficult couple of months, my eating habits fluctuated between consuming limited meals and intermittent fasting. Ultimately, I managed to break free from that harmful cycle and began to enjoy healthier, more balanced meals once again. Simultaneously, my sleep schedule was severely lacking, averaging only 3 to 5 hours each night. Post-Thanksgiving holiday, I established a more consistent routine in December, committing to daily workouts to alleviate the guilt and anxiety surrounding food and boost my sense of productivity. My regimen included a 30 to 45-minute workout, a brief stretch, a 20-minute incline walk, along with several local trail walks spanning about 4 to 6 miles. However, this rapid increase in physical activity took a toll on my body. I developed a pump bump on my right heel and suffered from severe Achilles tendinitis in my left ankle, which became so swollen that the tendon was not visible. A visit to the podiatrist revealed the issue stemmed from a bone growth at the front of my ankle joint, potentially a remnant of a previous cheer injury. I was advised to switch to shoes with a higher heel, take anti-inflammatory medication, and engage in physical therapy. Though the swelling subsided and the pain lessened in the interim, I was eager to get back to college and get into my fitness routine. Upon returning, feeling as though I had fallen behind, I ramped up my workouts significantly. I started a regimen that included an hour of weightlifting followed by over two hours of inclined walking on the treadmill, aiming to burn more than 1,000 calories from Monday through Friday, with weekends reserved primarily for rest, featuring an abdominal workout and leisurely walks. Regrettably, my roommate's calorie tracking habits led me to regress into similar behaviors. I avoided using the food scale this time, hesitant to return to previous unhealthy patterns, yet I still substantially reduced my caloric intake, attempting to keep it below 1,000 calories while burning over that amount through exercise. My approach included moderate meals Monday through Thursday, reserving weekends for larger meals and occasional treats. On weekdays, I typically consumed a third of a banana before workouts, engaged in three hours of intense exercise, then took an energy drink before classes. Post-class, I’d have some cucumber or a piece of fruit before dinner, which generally consisted of protein, a whole-grain English muffin, and salad. If I had room left, I’d enjoy a Greek yogurt for dessert. So far, this strategy has yielded favorable results; I've lost almost 14 pounds since my last checkup in mid-December, and my stomach discomfort has lessened. However, after a 10-mile walk this past Sunday, I began to experience significant pain in my right shin, assuming it might be shin splints but continuing to work out as usual. The week has been challenging, caught between the urge to maintain a 1,000-calorie burn while grappling with persistent pain, even while at rest. The discomfort is concentrated on the front part of my shin, spanning about the size of a quarter, and is painful to touch. Movement aggravates the sensation, making it hurt to walk or even lift my leg while sitting. There's noticeable swelling and warmth, and the pain seems to intensify in the evening, causing discomfort even when resting in bed. I sought care today, and while an X-ray showed no significant issues—a relief—the physician suspects it might be tendonitis. I was initially fearful of a stress fracture, having heard stories of athletes pushing through such injuries, resulting in more severe complications. Given that the X-ray was clear, I am reassured, but I'm still anxious to continue my workouts, as I feel uneasy just remaining inactive and eating without sufficient exercise. I would appreciate any insights into my situation and whether it appears to align with the diagnosis in terms of allowing me to continue training—perhaps avoiding excessive incline walking during this time.
Assessment of Three-Year-Old Knees
Patient Information: - Gender: Female - Age: 3 years - Weight: Approximately 13 kilograms - Medical History: None noted Observations: The knees appear to have a slight inward rotation, in my view.
Visual Disturbances: Seeking Guidance
Overview: I’ve been experiencing some ongoing visual disturbances that have prompted me to seek advice. To provide some background, I am a 21-year-old white male in the United States, standing at 5 feet 8 inches and weighing slightly over 170 pounds (though I’m not sure about the precise figure, I know it’s no more than 180). For about seven years, I neglected the need for corrective lenses and found myself spending excessive time in front of screens. Given these circumstances, I’m wondering whether I should consult an optometrist, an ophthalmologist, or my general practitioner. What could be the potential causes of these symptoms? They have persisted for quite a while, possibly even years.
Prolonged Exposure to Magnets: A Query about Safety
Hello everyone, I’m a 26-year-old male and I have a question regarding my work habits. I habitually carried a magnet attached to my hard hat to pick up metal shavings and manage wiring diagrams. Given that these magnets are positioned close to my head, I’m wondering about the safety implications. Are there any research findings related to long-term exposure and potential harm? I can't help but notice that when I carried the magnets, I experienced more intense headaches, though it coincided with the hot summer months, leading me to think dehydration might have played a role. I also do not have any medical implants or serious injuries, apart from a previously torn ACL. I'm intrigued about the matter, particularly since my current magnets are quite weak, and I'm considering upgrading to more powerful ones.
Should I Be Concerned?
Greetings everyone. I’m a 22-year-old woman seeking some guidance. For as long as I can recall, I have noticed these "lumps" on my scalp. They generally match my skin tone and appear stable, showing no signs of growth or change in size. Their height ranges from approximately 1/32 to 1/16 of an inch, if measured generously. I’m curious to know if these should raise any red flags for me. Thank you for your input!