The sensation of bolus is characterized by discomfort or the feeling of having a lump / lump in the throat without having difficulty swallowing liquids or food. The exact cause of this phenomenon is not known, but some scientists believe that it could be caused by an increase in the tension of the muscles of the throat or those located under the throat. The sensation of bolus may also be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is manifested by part of the stomach contents moving up into the esophagus.
According to the MSD Manual, a portal for medical information, a heavy emotional load can be behind this lump in the throat. It can sometimes occur after a sad and hard-to-go event or when a person cries a lot for a long time.
Can throat discomfort be mistaken for other symptoms?
The sensation of bolus is not dangerous and does not present any complications. Discomfort in the throat associated with swallowing disorders and other symptoms, however, can alert to acute conditions such as esophageal spasm, upper esophageal membranes, gastroesophageal reflux, myasthenia gravis, myotonic dystrophy, autoimmune myositis or tumors in the neck or upper chest.
Lump in the throat: when should you see a doctor?
Discomfort in the throat does not require an immediate visit to a healthcare professional, but some symptoms may prompt a consultation. These signs associated with the sensation of bolus may indicate the presence of a more serious and worrisome disorder. We find in particular:
- neck and chest pain
- weight loss
- a reflux of food
- a visible or palpable lump in the neck
- pain and suffocation when swallowing
- muscle weakness
- progressive worsening of symptoms
"People who have warning signs should see a doctor within a few days to a week. People who do not have warning signs should also contact their doctor. Depending on the severity and nature of the condition. sensation, doctors may suggest that the patient wait to see how symptoms progress or suggest a date that works for both of them, " detail it MSD Manual on its online platform.
How is the consultation with the doctor?
During the medical consultation, the practitioner asks the patient about his symptoms, his swallowing and his history. These elements help distinguish the sensation of a bolus from a potential swallowing disorder or serious illness. The healthcare professional then performs a clinical examination during which he inspects and palpates the floor of the mouth and the neck to identify any lumps. He also examines the back of the throat with an endoscope.
Additional examinations are not recommended when the clinical examination is normal or when the patient does not present swallowing disorders or symptoms that could alert to serious conditions.
The doctor may, however, perform additional tests when he identifies warning signs and has doubts about the diagnosis. In particular, he may recommend swallowing tests such as swallowing assessment, esophagography, swallowing time measurement, chest x-ray and esophageal manometry.
Bolus sensation: what are the possible treatments?
There is no treatment or medicine to treat a lump or lump in the throat. The MSD Manual however, recommends that healthcare professionals listen to patients in order to help them when this sensation appears.
Sources: MSD Manual
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