DAWN HARPER - ASK THE DOCTOR

Doctor Dawn Harper answers all your questions

WHAT'S WRONG WITH MY THROAT?

Q I've had the sensation of a lump in my throat for four years. It's a real choking feeling. I've had a nasal endoscopy, barium swallows and several scans - nothing shows up. Someone suggested taking PPI medication to switch off acid in my stomach, but I can't take those because of my other drugs.

A This sounds like a condition called globus pharyngeus, which is thought to be due to spasm in the muscles of swallowing. Reflux can exacerbate it, which is why someone has mentioned PPIs. The condition can make you feel like you need to clear your throat, but try to avoid doing this as it often makes things worse. Referral to a speech and language therapist may help.

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