Have you ever felt a strange sensation like something is stuck in your throat, like a lump, and you can't swallow or get it out? For some, this can even feel like they're choking. This is a really scary experience for many people. Because of this discomfort, some people think that it's a serious illness like cancer. But most of the time, this is caused by a condition called `Cricopharyngeal Spasm`, which we're talking about today, and it's not that dangerous.
Simply put, what is Cricopharyngeal Spasm?
To understand this, let's first learn about a small muscle in our throat. This muscle is called the cricopharyngeal muscle. To be precise, it is located at the top of the food pipe (esophagus) when we swallow food. It acts like a ring. We also call it the `(upper esophageal sphincter - UES)`.
The main function of this muscle is to open when we swallow food or water and allow it to go down, and to close at other times. This closure prevents stomach contents, especially acids, from coming back up into the throat.
Cricopharyngeal Spasm is a condition in which this muscle contracts too tightly and too frequently. This means that it closes more tightly than it should. This can cause discomfort and tightness in the throat, even though you can swallow. This condition can affect people of any age, and sometimes even young children.
What are the symptoms of this?
The symptoms of this condition can vary from person to person. While some people may feel very mild symptoms, others may have difficulty performing daily tasks.
| Symptom | How does that feel? |
|---|---|
| Feeling like there is a lump in the throat | This is the most common symptom. It feels like there is a lump in your throat that will never go away, that you can't swallow, and that you can't get rid of. |
| Feeling of suffocation/choking | The muscles in the throat tighten, causing a feeling as if someone is squeezing their neck. This can cause some people to be very afraid that they will not be able to breathe. |
| A push under the throat rod | Men may feel a tightness or pressure under the Adam's apple, that is, in the middle of the neck. |
The surprising thing here is that many of these symptoms go away when you eat or drink water . This is because the muscles naturally relax when we swallow. Also, these symptoms can be exacerbated when you are stressed .
Why does this happen? What are the reasons?
The exact cause of this has not yet been identified. However, there are several factors that are thought to contribute to this condition.
- Acid Reflux: This is often caused by conditions like gastritis or GERD. When stomach acid comes up into the throat, it can unnecessarily stimulate the muscles in the throat and cause them to tighten.
- Stress and Anxiety: This is also a very strong cause. When we are stressed, the muscles in our body tighten. The cricopharyngeal muscle can also respond in the same way.
- Inflammation in the throat: This muscle can also become tight due to certain infections or inflammatory conditions in the throat.
- Neurological conditions: These symptoms can also be seen in some conditions that affect the nervous system, such as stroke.
What happens if left untreated?
Most of the time, this is not a serious condition. However, very rarely, when this muscle is tight for a long time, a condition called Zenker's diverticulum can develop. This is a small pouch that forms in the back wall of the throat. Food and saliva can collect inside this pouch, which can later cause difficulty swallowing. However, keep in mind that this is a very rare condition.
How do you find this, Doctor?
When you go to see a doctor with these symptoms, the first thing they will do is ask you about your symptoms in detail. For example, when does this discomfort occur, does it get better when you eat or drink, and does it get worse when you are stressed?
Then, if necessary, several tests can be done to make sure there are no other serious medical conditions.
- Upper Endoscopy: This involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera down the throat to examine the inside of the throat and esophagus.
- Esophageal Manometry: This measures the pressure and how the muscles in your throat work when you swallow.
- Barium Swallow: This is an X-ray test. You are given a special liquid called barium to drink, and as you swallow it, an X-ray is used to observe how it moves.
What are the treatments for this?
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of symptoms. In most cases, it can be controlled with simple treatments.
| Treatment method | What happens to it? |
|---|---|
| Medications for gastritis | If the cause is acid reflux, your doctor will prescribe you medications that control stomach acid, such as H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors . |
| Botox injections | This injection temporarily weakens the tight muscle and relaxes it. |
| Counseling | If the cause is stress, learning how to manage stress through counseling can help eliminate symptoms completely. |
| Muscle relaxants | Your doctor may prescribe medications like these to control muscle spasms caused by stress. |
| Physical Therapy | A physical therapist can teach you special exercises to relax the muscles in your throat and neck. |
Very rarely, surgery may be necessary only if no other treatment is effective.
Things you can do at home to reduce this discomfort
In addition to the treatments your doctor provides, there are several things you can do to reduce this discomfort.
- Drink warm beverages. Drinking something like a cup of warm tea can help relax the muscles in your throat.
- Instead of eating a large meal at once, eat several small meals throughout the day. This gives the throat muscles a longer rest period.
- Massage the neck and throat area regularly.
- Engage in activities that calm the mind. Practicing things like meditation and mindfulness can help reduce stress.
- Magnesium supplements. Some studies have shown that magnesium can help relax muscles. However, you should always check with your doctor before using anything like this.
How long will this situation last?
Most people notice a reduction in symptoms after about three weeks, but this varies from person to person.
Sometimes, just being aware of this condition is a great relief. When your doctor explains that your symptoms are not dangerous, but are a manageable condition, your fear and anxiety will ease. With that mental peace, your symptoms will go down a lot.
Most importantly: If you have these symptoms for more than three weeks, be sure to see a doctor. He or she can determine if you have this condition or another cause and prescribe the necessary treatment.
Take-Home Message
- A feeling of a lump in the throat is one of the main symptoms of Cricopharyngeal Spasm.
- This is mainly caused by stress and acid reflux.
- This is not a dangerous or cancerous condition, but the discomfort and fear it causes are real.
- A good clue to identifying this condition is that symptoms subside when eating or drinking water.
- If symptoms persist, don't be afraid to see a doctor to talk about it and get proper advice.
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