Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may cause pain, tension, and tightness in the throat. Other possible causes of throat tension include allergies, anxiety, some infections, and thyroid conditions.
GERD results from chronic acid reflux. It usually manifests with a burning sensation on your chest called heartburn, but it may have other symptoms, too. Persistent throat pain, tightness, and tension may be related to either occasional acid reflux or GERD.
GERD may lead to several throat sensations that could be described as:
- difficulty swallowing
- throat tightness (similar to muscular tension or strain)
- feeling a lump in your throat
- burning pain or sensation in or around your throat
- persistent sore throat that doesn’t go away with flu medication
- changes in your voice
- sour mouth taste or acid and food returning from the food pipe
- chronic cough
Read more about the link between GERD and your throat.
Starting treatment for GERD usually relieves most symptoms, including tension and tightness in your throat. If other symptoms subside, but you still have throat symptoms, a doctor may explore other possible causes.
The first step toward managing GERD may be lifestyle changes like:
- limiting alcohol
- avoiding trigger foods
- walking for a few minutes after each meal
- quitting tobacco use if needed
- managing your weight
- managing stress
- taking probiotics
Home remedies may also help with acid reflux and GERD and could relieve tightness in your throat. Some ideas include:
- natural teas
- baking soda
- licorice root
- vitamins
- honey
- papain
- essential oils
- wedge pillows
- ginger
- chamomile
- magnesium
- yoga
If lifestyle changes and home remedies do not relieve your symptoms, a doctor may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications, including:
- antacids to neutralize stomach acid
- H2 blockers to decrease acid production
- proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) also to reduce acid production
If tightness in your throat improves after taking GERD medication, the symptom may be due to this condition.
If GERD doesn’t respond to these strategies, a doctor may recommend surgery. If GERD improves but your throat symptoms remain or worsen, another condition may be causing them.
Read more about heartburn relief.
Besides acid reflux and GERD, your throat may feel tense or tight if you have any of the following:
Anxiety and stress
Globus sensation (having a lump on your throat) is commonly associated with anxiety and panic attacks. You may feel like something is stuck in the back of your throat or a sense of strain when trying to talk.
A panic attack may also make you feel like your throat is closening — even to the point of making it difficult to breathe. Other signs and symptoms of panic attacks may include:
- accelerated heart rate
- chest pain
- sweating
- nausea
- dizziness
- chills or heat sensations
- shaking
Daily stress may also affect the ring of muscle in your throat that opens and closes when you eat. This ring of muscle, like any other muscle, can become tense. This tension can feel like something is stuck in your throat or that your throat is tight.
You can manage anxiety with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. A doctor may also recommend healthy lifestyle changes, relaxation exercises, and meditation.
Goiter
A goiter is an irregular enlargement of the thyroid gland, which sits just below the Adam’s apple. It is a symptom of thyroid disease.
Throat tension and tightness may be possible with a goiter. Other symptoms may include difficulty breathing or swallowing and visible swelling in the front of the throat and neck.
Depending on the cause of the goiter, it is typically treated with thyroid medication, surgery, or radioactive iodine therapy.
Muscle tension dysphonia (MTD)
Muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) is a voice disorder that can cause throat tightness. It happens when the muscles around the voice box (larynx) over-tighten during speech to the point that the voice box does not work efficiently.
MTD is most commonly treated with voice therapy, which might include resonant voice techniques and massage. If the voice box spasms, Botox injections are sometimes used along with voice therapy.
Allergies
An allergic reaction to food or another substance can result in sudden tension, tightening, or closening of the throat. Other symptoms may include a stuffy and itchy nose and watering eyes. Throat tightness due to an allergic reaction should be considered a medical emergency, particularly if it is accompanied by swelling and difficulty breathing.
Allergy treatment typically starts by identifying the allergen and avoiding exposure. Several treatments — including allergy shots —can be customized to your specific situation if necessary.
Postnasal drip
Head colds, sinus drainage, and nasal allergies can all cause mucus to drip down the back of the throat, leading to irritation that may feel like a lump.
Possible treatments for postnasal drip may include using a vaporizer or humidifier, trying an over-the-counter decongestant or antihistamine, and using a saline nasal spray or a neti pot.
Infections
Both tonsillitis (an inflammation of the tonsils) and strep throat (a bacterial infection of the throat) can cause the sensation of throat tension. Other symptoms of a throat infection can include:
- fever
- difficulty swallowing
- earache
- headache
- laryngitis (loss of your voice)
While bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, viral infections typically resolve on their own. Rest and hydration are important when healing from an infection. Consulting with a healthcare professional is always encouraged when having an infection of any type.
GERD requires ongoing management, and having any of the symptoms of GERD merits visiting a doctor for a comprehensive assessment.
You may want to consult with a healthcare professional if:
- throat tension lasts for a week, and you’re not sure what causes it
- you have other symptoms like:
- chest pains
- high fever
- stiff neck
- swollen neck
- difficulty breathing
- persistent sore throat
- swollen lymph nodes along each side of the neck
- you have known allergies and have other signs of an allergic reaction
If you have acid reflux or GERD, your throat may feel tight, sore, or swollen. Lifestyle changes and home remedies may help manage GERD. Otherwise, medications could relieve symptoms, including throat tightness.
If GERD treatment doesn’t improve throat tightness, another condition may be causing the symptom. Other possible causes of throat tightness include allergies, postnasal drip, thyroid conditions, and infections.
