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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Tightness In Throat?

I have a feeling in my throat (really the base of my neck) like I have a knot there. (Kind of like a hairball!). My food goes down slowly and I often have to straighten my neck to swallow. This started one week ago and it has been constant all week. Nothing makes it go away, nothing makes the symptoms better. Water even feels as if it is going down slowly. There is no visible mass in my neck. What do you think it could be?
Thu, 16 Jan 2020
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello,

Based on your description, it seems to be an enlargement of the thyroid gland.

I would:

- get a detailed medical and personal history
- do a clinical examination to see if for any enlarged glands or structures in the area you specified
- do an ultrasound or MRI, if clinically indicated.

Please monitor the symptoms and look for any asymmetry in your throat while swallowing.

Do this in front of a mirror in a well-lit room. I recommend that you see your physician have it checked out.

If it is the thyroid, you will need a few blood tests (TSH, Thyroid antibodies, free T3, free T4) to check for thyroid hormone imbalances.

Based on the results, an appropriate treatment plan will be administered.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Iven Romic Rommstein, General Surgeon
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What Causes Tightness In Throat?

Hello, Based on your description, it seems to be an enlargement of the thyroid gland. I would: - get a detailed medical and personal history - do a clinical examination to see if for any enlarged glands or structures in the area you specified - do an ultrasound or MRI, if clinically indicated. Please monitor the symptoms and look for any asymmetry in your throat while swallowing. Do this in front of a mirror in a well-lit room. I recommend that you see your physician have it checked out. If it is the thyroid, you will need a few blood tests (TSH, Thyroid antibodies, free T3, free T4) to check for thyroid hormone imbalances. Based on the results, an appropriate treatment plan will be administered. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Iven Romic Rommstein, General Surgeon