What Causes Gagging And Throat Tightness?

Posted on Mon, 6 Apr 2015

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

Mon, 6 Apr 2015 Answered on

Tue, 28 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, for the last few days ive been experiencing something rather worring and scary, ive been having a sensation in my throat as if its closing up and when i go to open my mouth i start gagging but its mostly on my left side, would u be able to tell me what this is

Answered by Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Rule out ENT Condition or panic/ stress reaction

Detailed Answer:
Dear Patient,

When someone with your symptoms comes to my office, I think about the following:

I'd first have a laryngo and pharyngoscopy of the throat arranged to rule out any laryngeal/pharyngeal dysfunction or other ENT condition like inflammation of some sort.
If that is ruled out, as second main possibility I would ask about any stress factors like panic or worrying which can also be a cause of your symptoms.

Hope this is helping you, if you have any clarifications you can get back to me, if this was helpful please kindly rate my answer.

Best regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (16 hours later)

Can this go away on its own or will i need anti biotics

Answered by Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
To find out if antibiotics necessary ent examination recommended

Detailed Answer:
Dear patient,

It would be difficult to predict the progress without physical examination. I will recommend an ENT examination as discussed above. The need for antibiotics will be based on examination finding. Until then you can use warm salt gargles and see if it gets better.

Best regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad