What Causes The Feeling Of Something Stuck In The Throat?

Posted on Sat, 10 Dec 2016

Question: I have a feeling of something being stuck in the right side of my throat. I have had a Laryngoscopy and also an Endoscopy and nothing was wrong. After doing much reading about my condition is it possible that my thyroid could be pushing on my windpipe? I have had my thyroid blood tests run and the only thing wrong is that I have high antibodies - THYROGLOBULIN ANTIBODIES Result = 41 HIGH
< or = 1 IU/mL and
THYROID PEROXIDASE ANTIBODIES Result = 56 HIGH <9 IU/mL. I have read that an enlarged thyroid can possible press on the windpipe or if a goiter is involved, it can grow down and/or into the chest.
I really need your opinion of what's going on with me. Much Thanks

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (49 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
About thyroid gland;

Detailed Answer:
Welcome and thank you for asking.
Regarding to your concern i would like to inform you that the ultrasound of the thyroid gland gives very important data.
The location and volume of the thyroid gland, the structure of the tissue, the relationship with adjacent structure ( rather it compress the organs; larings, pharynx ect) are information that the ultrasound provides.
The function of the gland ( rather it produces normally hormones or not) is determined by checking the thyroid hormones in the blood.
High antibodies are suggestive for autoimmune disorder ( Hashimoto thyroiditis) that causes lowering of the thyroid function in the future.
So you need to monitor the thyroid hormones once a year.
Hope the information will help.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Mirjeta Guni (2 hours later)

So are you thinking this feeling of something caught in the right side of my throat could have something to do with my thyroid? Also, which is a better diagnostic tool to see what is happening when I swallow something? 1) a barium swallow or 2) thyroid ultrasound? I have had this sensation for over a year now and I'm very much annoyed by it. I just ate some dried cranberries and feel as though one is stuck on the right side of my throat. I look forward to you answer.

Also, I had the full thyroid panel blood tests and all results were normal except for the previous mentioned high antibodies. I know most doctors look at the T3 and T4 and mine are good according to the blood test.

Basically my question isn't necessarily about the thyroid gland itself BUT what is causing the feeling of something being caught on the right side of my throat every time I eat something?

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I would recommend thyroid ultrasound at first.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
As i explained the thyroid tests that you have done give information about the thyroid function that is within the normal ranges at the moment. But having high antibodies means that you should be under monitoring because in the future is a tendency for underactive thyroid.
The volume and the structure of the gland is determined by the ultrasound. A nodule at the right lobe of the gland that may cause the difficulty in swallowing should be exluded.
If the ultrasound is normal, than an invasive examination to see from inside is suggested.
Do not hesitate to ask if you have still queries.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mirjeta Guni (40 hours later)

Hi again Dr.Mirjeta,

So is it possible to have a nodule only on one side of my thyroid? I will go get an ultrasound of my thyroid but could it be just the nodule causing the problem that I'm having and/or an enlarged thyroid? I've also read so many articles about thyroid problems and am somewhat confused. I really do appreciate the info you have provided me thus far.

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I think it will be a nodule.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
As you described the symptoms were only at the right side of the throat, i suggested it would be a nodule at the right side. Usually the goitre is bilateral.
Anyway the ultrasound will give detailed information.
Wish you good health!
Regards,
Dr.Mirjeta

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng