My best friend’s second pregnancy was going well until she started feeling weird in her throat. At four months, she’d experience a sensation as if there was a big chunk of hard food in her throat that she couldn’t swallow.
Having gone through your life with a clear throat, I know how panicky it can get when you feel like an imaginary thing is blocking your larynx. I have compiled possible causes of lump in throat feeling during pregnancy and how to remedy the condition.
Let’s explore.
Causes of Lump in Throat Feeling During Pregnancy
Some causes of a lump in throat feeling or Globus sensation during pregnancy include stress/anxiety, change in sex hormone levels, increased tension in throat muscles, inflammation of lining tissues, acid reflux, and enlargement of thyroid glands.
Also known as Globus pharyngeus or Globus hystericus, the coition is prevalent during pregnancy. The larynx also shifts as each body organ adjusts to the developing pregnancy. The Globus sensation could be permanent or temporary with a possibility of recurring. The cause isn’t yet scientifically verified, but experts say causes vary from person to person.
Let’s further break it down.
What Causes Lump In Throat Feeling (Globus Hystericus) During Pregnancy?
If you’re experiencing a lump in the throat feeling in early pregnancy, it could be due following reasons:
1. Stress and anxiety
Pregnancy can be emotional. You may develop strong emotional feelings with a growing baby to protect. Suppressing such emotions could lead to a lump in the throat.
2. Change in sexual hormones
In pregnant women, hormones change a lot, causing laryngeal manifestation. After delivery, the hormonal imbalance returns to normal when your postpartum period resumes.
3. Acid reflux
Acid reflux, also known as heartburn, is relatively prevalent among pregnant women. According to WebMD, more than half of pregnant women suffer serious acid reflux in the 2nd and third trimesters. The acid irritates the throat, which may lead to a Globus sensation.
4. Increased tension on throat muscles
As your body adjusts, you may experience tension in most body parts, including your throat. This strain on your neck/throat muscles may cause the sensation.
5. Enlarged thyroid glands
Often, the HCG pregnancy hormone makes the thyroid glands larger than normal. The Cambridge university press explains large thyroid glands as a possible cause of Globus hystericus.
Is Globus Sensation In Pregnancy Treatable?
If you experience a recurring lump in your throat sensation, explain exactly how you feel to your doctor. He may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for a physical examination. Some other treatment methods include:
Affirmation and reassurance that there’s no alarming underlying issue.
Your doctor may refer you to a speech therapist for vocal hygiene tips and treatment of the hoarse voice.
If medical issues are causing the sensation, such as acid reflux and thyroid enlargement, you’ll receive medication for that.
Can Pregnancy Cause a Lump In Throat?
No. Pregnancy doesn’t cause a Globus sensation. However, pregnancy-related changes in hormones, emotional health, digestive system, and a woman’s general well-being may be causative factors. Experts haven’t established a known organic cause yet. Visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Helpful Tips to Ease Globus Hystericus
Imagine having a ball or lump stuck in your throat for months. And, on taking a clinical test, your doctor doesn’t find a cause. I agree it could be a disturbing feeling. If you’re struggling with Globus hystericus, try the following tips to ease the symptoms:
1. Seek treatment for any confirmed case of acid reflux
2. Practice stress management by:
- Adopting relaxation techniques
- Establishing a support system comprising friends and relatives for psychosocial support.
- Engaging a professional therapist.
3. Drink a minimum of 1.5 litres of water per day to hydrate your throat. If you don’t like plain water, you can add some citrus or cordial to taste.
To improve your vocal hygiene, continuously sip fluids such as coffee, tea, and cola. While such beverages soothe your larynx, take them in moderation, as they can dehydrate you.
4. Keep your voice low -Shouting, raising your voice, or clearing your throat constantly may cause tension leading to a lump in the throat feeling.
5. Special exercises- specific neck, shoulder, and spine exercises relieve the lump in throat feeling. However, talk to your doctor to find out which ones are most suitable for you.
Wrapping Up
Pregnancy is an anxiety-filled journey. To conclude on the lump in throat feeling during pregnancy, it’s wise to note that the causes of globus sensation are unique in every woman. However, most experts attribute it to psychological causes.
The good news is that the lump in your throat feeling goes away after delivering your baby, and your hormones return to normal. Stress management techniques, acid reflux treatment, drinking water/fluids, and specific exercises help treat the Globus sensation.
Don’t worry too much. If it constantly feels like a lump in throat during early pregnancy, consult your doctor for further medical advice.
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