I Can’t Swallow Or Breathe But Never Tell Me What This Issue Could Be?

Posted on Thu, 11 Jun 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 Answered on

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, for the past 2 months i have been getting intermittent throat tightness. For the last two weeks it has been constant. It feels like the inside of my throat starting at my tonsils all
the way down to the very bottom of my throat is tight and swollen. I have no difficulty swallowing or breathing at all. It just feels as if my throat is closing up. I’ve gotten blood work a few times and everything came back normal. Thyroid is also completely normal (i got bloodwork and ultrasound). I am at a loss and i’ve had 3 doctors and no one can help me. They just say to come back if i can’t swallow or breathe but never tell me what this issue could be.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hii. You need to consult an ent surgeon and gastroenterologist.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

You need to consult an ent surgeon and get an endoscopy of the larynx done. It can help identify any abnormality missed during routine examination. But since you don't have breathing or swallowing difficulty it's less likely to have any abnormality.

I also suggest to visit a gastroenterologist also and get an endoscopy of the oesophagus also. Sometimes acid reflux can present with similar symptoms. Start pantoprazole. Avoid excess tea, coffee. Drink more water. Avoid smoking,alcohol,spicy food.

If both endoscopy return are normal, then continue pantoprazole finally consider consulting a rheumatologist as sometimes connective tissue disorder can present with similar symptoms.

Hope it helps.
Please review if you have any queries.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad