OpenHealth Q&A

It sounds incredibly frustrating to deal with a persistent throat sensation, especially after experiencing long COVID. Your concerns regarding the sensation of having something lodged in your throat, known as globus sensation, are valid, and it's understandable that it's causing you distress. Since your thyroid is healthy and other evaluations have not provided answers, let’s explore some practical steps you can take that may help alleviate this sensation.

Explanation

Globus sensation is often linked to anxiety, muscle tension, or irritation of the throat, especially following an illness. Given your background with long COVID, it’s possible that lingering inflammation or sensitivity in the throat area is contributing to this feeling. Sometimes, even after a virus clears, the body can take longer to return to its normal state, and symptoms may persist.

Next Steps

1. Hydration and Humidification:

   • Ensure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day to keep your throat moist.
   • Consider using a humidifier, especially while you sleep, to maintain humidity levels in your environment, which can help soothe throat irritation.

2. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:

   • Practice mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or gentle yoga. These techniques can help reduce tension in your throat and overall stress levels, which may be exacerbating the sensation.
   • Apps like Headspace or Calm can guide you through relaxation exercises.

3. Dietary Adjustments:

   • Avoid acids and irritants. Spicy foods, acidic fruits, and caffeine can cause throat irritation. Try to maintain a bland diet for a few days to see if symptoms improve.
   • Eating smaller, more frequent meals might help if swallowing is uncomfortable.

4. Gentle Throat Exercises:

   • Continue with gentle neck and throat stretching exercises, but be cautious to avoid any movements that cause discomfort. Consider incorporating humming or gentle voice exercises to encourage relaxation.

5. Symptom Tracking:

   • Keep a journal of when the sensation worsens or improves, noting potential triggers such as food, stress, or activities. This may help identify patterns and approaches that work best for you.

6. Revisit Healthcare Provider:

   • While you've seen many specialists, consider returning to a specialist who focuses on functional disorders or seek a second opinion from an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist with experience in post-viral syndromes.

It’s understandable to feel alone in this experience, but persistence is key. Document your efforts and responses to various interventions, and don’t hesitate to share this data with your healthcare provider to help guide further management. If you encounter any significant changes in symptoms, like difficulty breathing or swallowing, please seek immediate medical attention.