Ear, Nose & Throat

Lump in Your Throat? Here Is How You Can Treat It!

Lump in throat is a phrase that is most used to describe the feeling of anxiety. But anxiety is not the only cause behind feeling a lump in your throat. There are two categories here.

The first is known as globus sensation which takes place when you feel like there is a lump without there actually being a lump. When you have a globus sensation, you will not have any trouble swallowing.

If difficulty in swallowing accompanies the feeling of a lump in your throat, then it is not a globus sensation, and you need to consult a physician for further diagnosis.

There are numerous reasons(1) for you to experience this vexatious feeling, including inflammation of the pharynx, acid reflux, anxiety, abnormal sphincter functioning, thyroid disease, tumor, etc. There are myriad ways you can treat this condition. Here are some of the best and most effective ones.

How to Get Rid of Lump in Throat

CURE 1: Natural Remedies

1. Muscle Therapy

Why Does it Work?

The weakening of the muscles around your throat is a primary cause of globus sensation. Muscle therapy can be used to strengthen the muscles(2) around the throat, especially the ones that play a role in swallowing.

How to Use it?

You can do the Shaker exercise that involves lying on the ground and lifting your neck to look at your feet. You can also do Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation or PNF exercises that relax, activate, and strengthen the muscles around the throat. You should consult a physiotherapist to determine the exact set of PNF exercises that would be beneficial for you.

How Often to Use it?

You can do the exercises for around 30 minutes each day for at least three days a week.

[ Read: Throat Pain Home Remedies ]

2. Salt Water

Image:ShutterStock

Why Does it Work?

Tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and chronic sinusitis with post-nasal drip are some of the reasons for an inflamed pharynx. Gargling with salt water is the best way to combat this issue.

It can reduce the swelling in the pharynx(3) and kill the bacteria that cause these conditions. The pathogens from the throat get pulled out due to the osmosis effect. The salt in the water also creates a barrier that prevents the bacteria from re-entering.

How to Use it?

Add some salt to a glass of warm water and gargle with this solution.

How Often to Use it?

Try this remedy at least four to five times a day.

[ Read: Salt Water for Sore Throat ]

3. Meditation

Why Does it Work?

Anxiety is another cause for a lump in throat and meditation is one of the best ways to combat anxiety. Meditation brings inner peace and helps you control your emotions.

Not only does it take you away from the moment, but it also lets you look at things from a fresh perspective. Meditation is easy to learn, inexpensive and requires no equipment, and can be done anywhere.

How to Use it?

There are several techniques you can employ for meditation. The simplest is to take deep breaths and focus solely on your breathing. You can also use visualization where you focus on an alternate scenario and let your anxiety wash away.

How Often to Use it?

Try to meditate for at least half an hour each day, every day.

CURE 2: Foods

1. Ginger

Image:ShutterStock

Why Does it Work?

Ginger contains gingerols and shogaols that give it its anti-inflammatory(4) and anti-microbial properties. Ginger can also improve your immunity and stop the stomach acids from flowing into the esophagus.

Related Post

Acid reflux and throat or sinus infection are among the most predominant causes of a lump in throat, and ginger can help fight both.

How to Use it?

There are numerous ways of consuming ginger to treat a lump in your throat while swallowing. If you are using it to treat throat infection, then you should drink ginger tea. You can also add ginger to curries, salads, stir fry, etc. if you have acid reflux. Ginger tea is a universal remedy for both issues.

How Often to Use it?

You can consume ginger tea around twice a day.

[ Read: Ginger for a Sore throat ]

2. Banana

Why Does it Work?

Banana, one of the most beloved and readily available fruits, is also an excellent treatment for acid reflux. Banana has very low acidic content. The fiber content in banana ease digestive issues and also strengthen the digestive system. The fruit also forms a thin coating over the lining of the esophagus. It soothes the irritated lining and helps it heal.

How to Use it?

Banana is versatile and can be used in smoothies, consumed as such or added to fruit salads.

How Often to Use it?

You can safely consume one banana every day.

3. Green Tea

Image:ShutterStock

Why Does it Work?

Green tea is rich in antioxidants and is an anti-inflammatory agent. It improves the body’s ability to heal itself, making it one of the best remedies for a sore throat. Gargling with green tea(5) is also a great way of pulling out the toxins. Green tea also aids in digestion and helps combat acid reflux. It is an excellent treatment for GERD.

How to Use it?

If a throat infection or tonsilitis cause the sensation of a lump in your throat, then gargling with green tea is very useful. All you need to do is wait for the tea to cool down to a temperature that you are comfortable gargling with after brewing the tea.

How Often to Use it?

You can gargle with green tea at least two to three times a day. You can also consume green tea at least twice a day.

The feeling of having a lump in throat is a very irritating one, especially if it is also accompanied by difficulty in swallowing. The good news is that, in the majority of the cases, it can be treated with home remedies.

Understanding the root cause of the lumps is essential to identify the appropriate treatment. To do so, look at the other symptoms accompanying the lump in the throat. If the feeling persists or seems to get worse despite using these remedies, you should consult a physician.

[Read: Relief from Throat Infection Naturally ]


FAQs

1. Why does it feel like I have a lump in my throat?

Sore throat, inflamed pharynx, acid reflux, GERD, anxiety, muscle weakness, cancer, etc. are some of the reasons for having the feeling of a lump in throat.

2. Is there an actual lump in my throat, or is it just a feeling?

If you have an inflamed pharynx or anxiety, then there is no real lump. It is just a feeling created by other factors. Some other conditions lead to an actual lump in throat. You should consult a physician for a complete diagnosis.

3. Why should I use home remedies for the lump in throat sensation?

Home remedies are effective, cheap, and easy to use, making them the best approach for the lump in the throat.

4. Is having a lump in throat a serious condition?

Most of the time, this is a benign issue. The only severe cause is cancer, and you can discover whether or not you have cancer by visiting a doctor.