Has anyone experienced a sensation of a burp or lump stuck in the back of the throat, which can sometimes also be felt in the diaphragm, either at the same time or separately? It tends to be worse after eating and comes and goes. Burping doesn’t seem to relieve it. I’m trying to figure out if this is just acid reflux or something more like a motility issue where food isn’t going down properly. It started about two months ago with pressure in my diaphragm and has gradually moved up to my throat. The pressure in my diaphragm isn’t as intense as it used to be, but it still occurs occasionally, especially after meals. My diet has been very bland during this time, and while I can eat more than I could initially, I still experience occasional heartburn. However, this sensation feels different—more like a lump in my throat or pressure in my diaphragm, similar to a trapped burp. I also deal with a lot of phlegm and ear pressure when I feel the lump in my throat. I’m just trying to rule out anything more serious than acid reflux so I don’t end up taking a PPI unnecessarily.
The sensation you’re describing—a lump in the throat (often referred to as “globus sensation”) and pressure in the diaphragm—can sometimes be linked to acid reflux, but it’s also possible that other conditions could be at play, including motility issues like esophageal dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that involves more than just heartburn.
The fact that the sensation doesn’t fully resolve with burping, and that you also have phlegm and ear pressure, could indicate something more than simple acid reflux. It’s great that you’re trying to avoid unnecessary medications like PPIs, as they can have side effects if used long-term. However, it’s important to rule out other potential causes.
Some questions that might help:
- Have you had any difficulty swallowing (solid food, liquids, or both)?
- Do you notice this sensation more with specific foods or after large meals, or is it more constant throughout the day?
- Have you tried any over-the-counter remedies for acid reflux (like antacids) to see if they help alleviate the symptoms?
It’s definitely worth discussing these symptoms further with a doctor, as they may want to consider tests such as esophageal manometry (to check for motility issues) or an endoscopy (to check for structural or acid-related issues in the esophagus).
While acid reflux is a common cause of the symptoms you’re describing, it’s always good to get a professional opinion to rule out anything more serious or treatable.
I hope this helps, and I encourage you to continue tracking your symptoms and bring this up with your healthcare provider for a more specific diagnosis.