Unexplained Throat Issues: A Frustrating Journey
At just 20 years old, I find myself grappling with feelings of despair. It all began around late April when I started experiencing episodes of food feeling lodged in my throat, or I would struggle to initiate a swallow, as if my throat muscles were seizing up. In the weeks prior, I had bouts of intense anxiety, characterized by a racing heartbeat, tightness in my throat, and difficulty breathing. These episodes seemed to be triggered unexpectedly, lasting a few hours before subsiding. Eating solid foods has become a challenge; it often feels like my throat is constricted or that I'm unable to swallow properly. Initially, medical professionals suggested it could be allergies. I began using Flonase for post-nasal drip, which only made my condition deteriorate. After undergoing tests, it was revealed that my white blood cells and neutrophil count were elevated, prompting a course of antibiotics that alleviated other symptoms like my runny nose and sore throat, yet the swallowing difficulties remained. I have undergone both regular and modified barium swallow tests along with an upper endoscopy, and I am scheduled for a manometry soon. Unfortunately, the only finding thus far has been mild acid reflux, which my ENT and gastroenterologist do not believe is responsible for my symptoms. In my pursuit of relief, I consulted a speech therapist who noted that my neck muscles were unusually tense and that I was relying on neck muscles for speech that most individuals do not engage. Despite trying therapy, I did not see significant improvement, and the sessions were not very consistent. As I reflect on my experiences, I'm left wondering if this situation is more psychological than physiological, as I've developed a growing fear of choking. While I'm able to manage some solid foods now, the process is painstakingly slow, and it often leaves me feeling overwhelmed or uninterested in continuing to eat. Additionally, I sometimes experience an itchy throat and a sensation akin to breathlessness, though I am able to breathe normally; these feelings began about a month ago and are unpredictable. For further clarity, I had a Nexplanon implant inserted in late March, and while I'm not sure if it's connected to my symptoms, the timing raises concerns. To add context, I should mention that I have no history of allergies.
Answers (1)
8/5/2025, 10:02:01 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel frustrated and overwhelmed by ongoing throat issues, especially given the complexity and mix of physical and psychological symptoms you've described. Your experience involves a combination of potential physiological causes, anxiety-driven responses, and muscle tension affecting swallowing. Here's how you can approach your situation:
Summary of Main Points:
- Your throat symptoms may have both physical and psychological components.
- Anxiety and muscle tension could be affecting your swallowing abilities.
- Managing anxiety and practicing relaxation techniques will be key to improvement.
Explanation:
The sensation of food feeling stuck in your throat and difficulty swallowing can result from various factors. While you've ruled out several serious physical causes through tests, the persistent anxiety and tightness in your throat suggest that stress could play a significant role in your symptoms. Anxiety often heightens awareness of bodily sensations, making swallowing more challenging due to muscle tension. Additionally, the fear of choking can exacerbate these feelings, creating a cycle of anxiety and discomfort.
Next Steps:
-
Focus on Relaxation Techniques: Start incorporating deep breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation into your daily routine to help alleviate throat tension. This can help retrain your muscles and reduce the anxiety surrounding swallowing.
-
Gradual Eating Strategy: Continue to practice eating solid foods but try to create a relaxed environment. Begin with softer foods that are easier to swallow, practicing mindfulness while eating to reduce anxiety about choking, and taking small bites.
-
Consistent Speech Therapy: If possible, ensure you are regularly attending speech therapy sessions. Work with your therapist on specific swallowing techniques and muscle relaxation exercises aimed at reducing tension in your neck.
-
Monitor Anxiety Levels: Keep a journal of your anxiety triggers and symptoms related to swallowing. This can help you identify patterns and discuss them with a therapist or counselor, which could provide you with tailored strategies to manage anxiety.
-
Consider Broader Support: Anxiety and swallowing issues can often benefit from comprehensive support, including psychological counseling or support groups. Exploring cognitive-behavioral therapy may help address your fear of choking and improve your overall eating experience.
-
Stay Informed about Nexplanon: Discuss with your healthcare provider any concerns regarding your Nexplanon implant and its potential connection to your symptoms, particularly if you notice any new developments after its insertion.
By prioritizing relaxation, managing anxiety, and seeking consistent therapy, you can gradually improve your symptoms and regain comfort with eating. Remember, you are not alone, and help is available to navigate through this.
Related Questions
Understanding a Nodular Finding on My Appendix: Seeking Clarity
I'm a 22-year-old female, standing 4'9", with a background of EDS and anxiety. Recently, on January 30, 2026, I visited the emergency department due to kidney discomfort, which turned out to be a kidney stone. While reviewing my CT scan report to recall the size and location of the stone—still lodged and proving quite troublesome—I stumbled upon a mention of a nodular area on my appendix. This detail was not brought up by my doctor during my visit. Although I suspect it may not signal a serious issue, I'm curious if this is something I should discuss further with my primary care physician. Can anyone clarify what a nodular finding on the appendix means? I came across some information suggesting it could indicate a tumor, but I’m aware that online medical searches can often lead to misunderstandings. Any insights would be appreciated!
Ongoing Symptoms Post-Concussion: Seeking Insights
Hello everyone, I’m a 25-year-old male and experienced a significant car accident about two and a half years ago. Although I didn't black out during the incident, I felt disoriented and unsettled immediately afterward. Since that day, my health has noticeably deteriorated, and I'm attempting to discern whether my current struggles are commonplace or if something more serious might be overlooked. Here’s what I've been grappling with: I endure daily headaches that typically originate in the back of my head or neck, gradually migrating towards my temples or eyes. Conditions that intensify these headaches include bright screens, excessive light, noise, and bustling surroundings. When I attempt to power through the discomfort, I sometimes see halos around lights or experience visual static. Mentally, I find myself exhausted very quickly. Concentrating becomes a challenge, and I frequently lose track of my thoughts or encounter difficulty finding the right words. Engaging in conversations or attending meetings can drain me significantly. Additionally, I become easily overwhelmed, especially in loud or crowded situations. Tinnitus is another issue I face, as the ringing in my ears is a constant presence. Since the incident, I’ve noticed weakness in my left hand; my ring and pinky fingers often curl up like claws. An electromyography (EMG) test revealed damage to the ulnar nerve, which accounts for some of this phenomenon. Unfortunately, it hasn't improved, impacting my ability to type, grip objects, and carry out everyday tasks. I also experience occasional facial twitching, jaw tightness, and short bouts where different parts of my body feel weak or tremble, but these symptoms are temporary. Fatigue is a significant battle for me. I struggle with poor sleep quality, waking up feeling unrested, and sometimes experiencing anxiety first thing in the morning. Even on days when the pain level is tolerable, my energy depletion restricts my activities. Here’s a summary of what medical evaluations have revealed: • My brain scans returned normal results, revealing only minor, nonspecific findings like white matter changes in certain regions. • The blood vessels in my brain appeared healthy. • EEG results indicated some slowing but no evidence of seizures. • More invasive tests ruled out any major health concerns. • Mild sleep apnea was detected. • Cognitive assessments showed deficits in attention, processing speed, and memory. • Eye examinations indicated challenges with tracking and focusing post-injury. What has proven somewhat beneficial includes: • Migraine medication has helped lessen the severity of my headaches. • Telecommuting allows me to take frequent breaks. • Engaging in occupational, speech, and vision therapy whenever possible has been somewhat advantageous. I maintain a full-time job, but managing it drains a considerable amount of my energy, leaving little for family interactions, social engagements, or time for recovery. I’m at a stage where I’m seeking clarification on several points: 1. Is it common for post-concussion symptoms to persist for such an extended period despite normal scan results? 2. When is it appropriate to seek an alternative explanation rather than accepting a diagnosis of merely post-concussion syndrome, stress, or anxiety? 3. Is it typical for fatigue to be the most pronounced and debilitating symptom? 4. Are there often overlooked aspects, such as sleep quality, visual processing, nerve health, or nervous system function, that should be reevaluated? I’m not seeking a diagnosis—just some insight. I want to determine whether I’m on a reasonable track or if I should be considering different inquiries. Thank you to all who have taken the time to read my message.
Excruciating Nerve Sensitivity
Greetings, everyone. I recently underwent surgery to address a cervical rib issue on the left side, utilizing the transaxillary method. Today marks ten days since the procedure was performed last Wednesday. I was discharged from the hospital Saturday morning and felt fine initially, aside from the typical discomfort associated with surgery such as pain, numbness, and some swelling in my left arm, which limited mobility. My surgeon assured me this was normal. However, come Monday morning, I experienced a sudden sensation that I initially thought was pain in my left hand, predominantly affecting my pinky, ring, and middle fingers, extending to my arm and shoulder. A visit to the doctor clarified that this was not just pain—I was experiencing hypersensitivity, specifically involving the ulnar nerve. A week has passed, and the intensity of the hypersensitivity is unmanageable. It feels as if my hand is simultaneously being burned, stabbed, and electrocuted. I have been prescribed medication like pregabalin, yet it only provides temporary relief lasting no more than an hour or two. While the swelling in my arm has subsided, the hypersensitivity and numbness continue unabated. Although I can move my arm and hand to a degree, my strength is noticeably reduced, which may be a lingering effect from the surgery. I was concerned there might be a hematoma at the incision site irritating the brachial plexus, but an ultrasound revealed no signs of blood accumulation. I'm currently in a challenging predicament and would deeply appreciate any suggestions or remedies you might offer, as the discomfort has become unbearable; at this point, I'd even consider amputation of my arm over enduring this agony.
Understanding Post-Surgical Pain After Ganglion Cyst Removal
I’m 17 years old (female, though I prefer He/him pronouns) and I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) along with Dysautonomia. Currently, I’m not taking any medications that might impact my situation apart from an SNRI and birth control to manage cramping. Around a month ago, I underwent surgery to remove a ganglion cyst located on my dominant wrist (the right one). This cyst had been present for roughly three years, and despite my doctor attempting to aspirate it, the procedure was unsuccessful due to its firmness, leading to surgical intervention. This cyst significantly limited my wrist mobility. Now, after approximately four weeks post-surgery, I can say that my wrist is mostly improved. The scar is healing fairly well, and I’ve regained about half of my wrist’s mobility compared to the left one. Yet, I still experience significant pain when I move or apply pressure on the area that housed the cyst. Is this pain considered normal? Additionally, my fingers are in constant discomfort, and my wrist seems to dislocate frequently. Due to my EDS, I am accustomed to joint pain and dislocations, but this particular pain feels more severe than what I usually endure. When I brought this up with my surgeon, he dismissed my concerns, stating that such dislocations are common for individuals my age. However, I experience dislocations at least twice daily, and the process of resetting them creates such a loud sound that I've been asked to leave classes to avoid disturbing others. Is this normal? Could it be related to the cyst? Moreover, about four days ago, I noticed a small lump forming on my wrist just above the surgical area. When I consulted my doctor about it, he informed me that it was a benign fatty tumor and assured me it wasn't a serious issue. However, I've never encountered anything like this before, and while the lump is not painful, soft, and relatively small, I’m puzzled about its sudden appearance. Why did this occur, and what could explain my doctor’s nonchalant attitude towards my symptoms? I understand that experiencing pain and limited mobility after surgery is not unusual, but given my doctor’s dismissive approach towards my concerns, I felt compelled to seek insight here as well. He often seems skeptical about the symptoms I report, making it difficult for me to fully trust his evaluations.
Seeking Answers: Unexplained Symptoms
Profile Information: - **Age**: 15 - **Gender**: Female - **Height**: 5'3 - **Ethnicity**: Caucasian **Medication Regimen**: - Lisdexamfetamine: 40 mg daily - Famotidine: 20 mg, twice daily - Cetirizine: 40 mg daily I have been experiencing persistent pain for as long as I can recall, even before I started taking any medication, so I am skeptical about the drugs affecting my condition. Below is a compilation of my symptoms that I can remember offhand. My family has been advised on multiple occasions to consider testing for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) due to the alignment of my symptoms with the condition. My latest physician conducted laboratory tests to evaluate my tryptase levels without an initial baseline measurement. This was taken roughly 1.5 hours post-flare-up, which came back low. Consequently, she concluded that I do not have MCAS, but after researching further, I found that low levels do not definitively rule it out. I am reaching out for guidance—can anyone assist me in understanding my situation? **Presented Symptoms**: - Persistent hives - Facial flushing - Cognitive fog - Recurring headaches - Abdominal discomfort - Irregular bowel movements (ranging from diarrhea to constipation) - Anxiety attacks - Low blood pressure - Episodes of dizziness - Rapid heartbeat - Chronic fatigue - Episodes of fever - Severe joint pain - Night sweats - Bloating - Elevated sensitivity to sunlight - Intolerance to heat I frequently experience multiple symptoms together during flare-ups, with at least one flare occurring daily. The hives tend to emerge 1 to 3 times each day, primarily triggered by sun exposure and heightened emotional states, although at times they arise with no apparent cause. These flare-ups can occur abruptly, lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours.