Frog in the throat

Everyone probably knows the feeling: you have to clear your throat to get rid of something that doesn’t belong there. Usually, it is only a brief scratching and the spook is over again after clearing the throat. Sometimes, however, the pressure or »lump« in the throat or a scratchy or tight feeling lasts longer. Clearing the throat can then have no effect or even make the discomfort worse. Such sensations often occur when the mucous membranes in the throat are irritated, for example in the case of pharyngitis or laryngitis.

If the throat is inflamed during an infection with cold viruses, it usually feels rough and dry. The mucous membrane is clearly reddened and sometimes also mucous. The inflammation usually heals after a week without complications. Painkillers such as Paracetamol, Ibuprofen or acetylsalicylic acid help to relieve the sore throat. Lozenges that numb the throat locally (for example Dolo-Dobendan®) or anti-inflammatory sprays have a moisturising effect at the same time (for example Kamillosan® mouth and throat spray).

Drinking plenty of fluids also has a soothing effect, preferably warm drinks such as milk with honey or herbal teas, for example made from sage leaves, which also have an anti-inflammatory effect. The herbal ingredients such as essential oils and tannins work even better if you gargle with the tea. Special gargle gels cover the inflamed mucous membrane with a protective film and moisturise it so that it regenerates better (for example GeloTonsil®). Inhalation with chamomile additive is also helpful, as the vapours reach the entire respiratory tract. If the inflammation spreads to the larynx or vocal folds (vocal cords), hoarseness is a typical sign. Then it is especially important to take it easy on the voice and not to speak if possible. Those affected should also refrain from speaking softly or whispering.

Other causes should be considered, such as acid reflux, if the pharyngeal discomfort persists for weeks or months and does not improve. If stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus during reflux, small amounts of it can reach the larynx and trigger an inflammation there. The burning sensation in the throat that is typical of heartburn often only becomes noticeable when larger amounts of stomach acid flow into the oesophagus. If this typical symptom is absent, many people do not think of reflux at first when they have a foreign body sensation in their throat or a need to clear their throat. During the medical examination with the endoscope, the redness in the area of the larynx, at the vocal cords and at the entrance to the oesophagus can be detected.

If you have heartburn, you should reduce acidic foods such as citrus fruits and carbonated drinks. Stimulants such as alcohol and coffee promote acidity and should also be avoided. For more severe symptoms, medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPI) can relieve symptoms, but only as long as they are taken. PPI prevent too much acid from being produced in the stomach.

An inflammation is not always the cause if the frog or lump in the throat does not want to go away. The discomfort can also have psychological causes. Stress, fear, anger or sadness can sometimes cause the muscles around the larynx and vocal folds to tighten. Especially when the musculus constrictor pharyngis - also called the »pharyngeal ligament« - is under high tension and the vocal folds can no longer move freely, it is easy to experience discomfort. In addition to reducing stress, speech therapy or physiotherapy with voice and breathing exercises can help.

If the vocal folds are strained a lot by speaking or singing, the water bottle should always be handy. Drinking plenty of water moistens the throat, as do special throat lozenges with xanthan gum and hyaluronic acid that are sucked every two to three hours. They form a kind of moisture depot and thus relieve the mucous membrane (for example GeloRevoice®). Lozenges with gum Arabic stimulate the flow of saliva, bind the moisture and form a protective moisturising film on the mucous membrane of the throat (for example Ipalat® Hydro Med).

Regardless of what causes the frog in the throat – the urge to clear one’s throat should be resisted in any case. Because clearing the throat affects the mucous membrane and can make the symptoms even worse. When you clear your throat, the vocal folds rub against each other with a lot of force and the protective layer of mucus is rubbed off. If the irritation in the throat becomes too great, coughing or humming is still better than clearing the throat. If the compulsion to clear one’s throat has not subsided after three months at the latest, it is advisable to seek medical advice.