Hard Throat
🔞 ALL INFORMATION CLICK HERE 👈🏻👈🏻👈🏻
Hard Throat
Tightness in Throat: Causes and Treatment
Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Ⓒ 2022 Dotdash Media, Inc. — All rights reserved
Kristin Hayes, RN, is a registered nurse specializing in ear, nose, and throat disorders for both adults and children.
Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more .
Medically reviewed by
John Carew, MD
Learn about our
Medical Expert Board
Why does my throat feel strained when talking?
Can you have tightness in the throat with COVID-19?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
White Spots on Tonsils: Should I Be Worried?
Red Tonsils: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Gagging Is Common But Can Be Alarming
Sore Tongue or Throat? Here’s What it Could Be
What Causes Nausea and Lightheadedness?
How Adenoids and Tonsils Affect Immune Health
Causes of Throat Pain and Treatment Options
Tonsillitis vs. Strep: What’s the Difference?
Facts About Tonsillitis You May Not Have Known
Acid Reflex and Shortness of Breath May Be Related
Is Tonsillitis Contagious, and How Long?
Why Is Your Esophagus so Inflamed and Swollen?
Everything You Need to Know About a Cilantro Allergy
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) Symptoms and Treatment
Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Ⓒ 2022 Dotdash Media, Inc. — All rights reserved
Verywell Health is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.
We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Review our Privacy Policy
John Carew, MD, is board-certified in otolaryngology and is an adjunct assistant professor at New York University Medical Center.
Tightness in the throat can make you feel as if your airway passage is narrowed, causing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing. You may feel as if there's a lump in your throat or that it's swollen or closed off. These symptoms may be different from those you feel with a sore throat or common cold.
The causes of throat tightness can vary in their severity. For example, gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD ) is a common and treatable condition affecting the esophagus, the tube that carries food to the stomach. But an allergic reaction that closes off the trachea, the tube that carries oxygen to the lungs, is a life-threatening emergency.
This article explains reasons you might feel tightness in the throat and how specific conditions are diagnosed and treated. It will help you to know which structures and muscles may be involved and why you may need to see a healthcare provider.
Throat tightness often arises with other symptoms, including a sense of burning in the throat or the frequent need to clear the throat. These symptoms may occur at specific times, like when you have tightness in your throat after eating or when you first wake up.
The pattern of symptoms can help you and your healthcare provider to understand the cause.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus, sometimes even reaching the back of the throat. Stomach acid is very damaging to the tissue of the esophagus and throat. This creates symptoms such as heartburn, sore throat, coughing, hoarseness , and in some cases, throat tightness.
A narrowing of the esophagus can occur when the tissue is damaged and scar tissue is formed. This can make it difficult to swallow, create a feeling of tightness in the throat, or make it feel like you constantly have a lump in your throat. Food may also become lodged in the esophagus.
GERD is extremely common throughout the world, and the incidence is escalating in the United States. Since 2010, it has particularly increased among individuals 30 to 39 years of age. The prevalence is approximately 18.1% to 27.8% in North America. 1
Anxiety disorders can result in what is called anxiety or panic attacks . During these episodes, you may feel an overwhelming sense of anxiety and fear, which causes your heart to pound. You also may hyperventilate, with breathing that's rapid and shallow.
These breathing episodes can dry out your throat. They can cause tightness in the throat, along with symptoms of:
An estimated 40 million adults in the United States live with an anxiety disorder and six million of those have been diagnosed with panic disorder . 2
Although it feels like a medical emergency, anxiety and panic attacks typically are not.
Tightness in the throat may be caused by tonsillitis . It is an inflammation of the tonsils (usually the palatine tonsils) and is an extremely common condition, although the exact incidence is unknown.
A second set of tonsils, called the lingual tonsils, is located in the throat below the palatine tonsils. While less common, the lingual tonsils can also become swollen and inflamed.
Some consider the adenoids to be the third set of tonsils, but they are located above the other two sets of tonsils and are unlikely to cause throat tightness.
Tonsillitis can be acute or chronic and has a myriad of underlying causes, including bacterial infections such as strep throat , viral infections such as mononucleosis , and allergies.
Symptoms of tonsillitis include sore throat, red throat, and difficulty swallowing. In rare cases, when the tonsils become very large, you may feel throat tightness or even have difficulty breathing. 3
Muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) is a condition where the muscles surrounding the larynx (the voice box) become so tight that they fail to function properly.
Muscle tension dysphonia may be more prevalent than researchers think since there is evidence it is common in people who have severe asthma . 5
A goiter is a benign (non-cancerous) enlargement of the thyroid gland. If the thyroid becomes too large, it can compress the trachea and/or esophagus and create problems with breathing and swallowing, as well as throat tightness. 6
Goiters are more common outside of the United States in areas where there are iodine-deficient soils and table salt is not enriched with iodine, but it occurs in the United States also.
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause a dangerous swelling in your throat, closing off your airway and preventing you from swallowing and breathing properly.
It usually occurs as a result of allergies to insect bites and stings, certain foods and medications, or latex. While allergies to these substances are very common, anaphylaxis is not.
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. You should call 911 and use epinephrine (if you carry it) as soon as signs and symptoms appear. These include severe itching, redness, swelling of the tongue or difficulty talking, swelling of the lips, tightness in the throat or chest, or difficulty breathing or swallowing. 7
Tightness in the throat tightness doesn't always impair your ability to breathe or swallow. You should still see a healthcare provider even though it's not a medical emergency. For example, in rare cases, untreated strep throat can lead to kidney and heart problems.
If you carry epinephrine and go into anaphylaxis, you should still call 911 or go to the emergency room even after giving yourself epinephrine because further treatment is usually necessary. In fact, it's possible to go back into anaphylaxis even hours after your initial symptoms have subsided. 8
With the exception of an identified panic or anxiety attack, any throat tightness that impairs your ability to breathe or swallow is a medical emergency. You should call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
With throat tightness, an accurate medical diagnosis will be based on your symptoms and personal medical history. Your healthcare provider will want to know how and when you experience symptoms such as throat tightness. For instance, you should note whether the symptoms come on with exercise, during stressful episodes of anxiety, or with other triggers.
A physical examination and one or more of the following tests may be used to diagnose the disorders that can cause tightness in the throat:
Some conditions, including anxiety disorders and MTD, do not have specific or definitive diagnostic tests. They are diagnosed by carefully considering your symptoms and medical history, and then ruling out other similar conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
Tightness in the throat is treated on the basis of its cause. Some treatments are comparatively simple and rely on medication and lifestyle changes. Others may involve surgery.
While antacids such as Tums (calcium carbonate) may be adequate for treating occasional heartburn, they probably won’t cut it if your symptoms are severe enough that you’re experiencing tightness in the throat.
Medications such as Pepcid ( famotidine ), an H2 blocker, or proton-pump inhibitors like Prilosec ( omeprazole ) are better at reducing acid and facilitating the healing of damaged esophageal tissue.
Even though many of these medications are available over-the-counter, it is recommended that you consult a healthcare provider before taking them. 9
Severe cases of GERD may warrant treatment with surgery. The esophagus can be dilated via endoscopy to improve swallowing, or other procedures such as fundoplication may be needed. 9
Treatment for anxiety disorders may include talking to a therapist, joining a support group, or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Treatment also may rely on medication, including:
Adequate treatment can help to reduce the frequency of panic attacks. 10
If you know you are having a panic attack, there are steps you can take. They include:
Don’t breathe into a paper bag if it increases your anxiety, however. You may feel that you are unable to breathe or that you are having a heart attack, but this is not actually the case. Most panic attacks last between five and 20 minutes. 11
If you or a loved one is struggling with panic attacks, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database .
While the treatment for tonsillitis may vary depending on the cause (antibiotics for strep throat, for example), the actual swelling in the tonsils can be treated with steroid medications in some cases.
For chronic tonsillitis, a complete tonsillectomy may be necessary.
Voice therapy is the most common treatment for MTD. In some cases, botox injections are used to stop muscle spasms.
The treatment for thyroid goiter varies depending on the root cause. For example, if the cause is iodine deficiency, then iodine supplements may help. In other cases, you may need thyroid hormone supplements. When the goiter cannot be reduced with medications, surgery may be necessary.
The most important treatment for a serious allergic reaction is epinephrine. If you don’t carry epinephrine with you, you must call 911 or get to a hospital right away to get this crucial medication.
In addition to epinephrine, you may also be treated with oxygen, IV fluids, antihistamines , and steroid medications, but these are all secondary to the prompt administration of epinephrine. Never delay emergency medical care if you suspect you are having a severe allergic reaction.
If you are at risk of a severe allergic reaction, keep your epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) handy at all times.
There are a few simple things you can do at home to help relieve throat tightness. If you have acid reflux, for example, taking an over-the-counter antacid may provide some immediate relief.
You should also keep your head elevated rather than lying down flat to sleep at night so that stomach acid is less likely to travel up the esophagus. Pay attention to which foods trigger your symptoms so you can avoid them in the future.
Swollen tonsils can respond to cold food and fluids, or you can put an ice pack on your neck. It may also be helpful to sleep with a cool mist humidifier next to your bed at night.
Not all causes of throat tightness are easily prevented, but there are things you can do to lower your risk. Use the following tips to prevent throat tightness:
Tightness in the throat may not have a serious underlying medical cause, but it's still important to see a healthcare provider for a diagnosis. Once you've identified the cause, you'll learn more about treatment options for the condition.
Throat muscle spasms can be caused by muscle tension dysphonia (MTD), a condition that occurs when muscles around the larynx tighten too much. Cricopharyngeal spasm, caused by a muscle in the throat contracting too much, is also a possible cause. 12
Muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) can cause strained throat or voice straining. Other symptoms include hoarseness, a sore and tender neck, the sensation of a lump in the throat, and feeling the need to clear the throat often.
It's possible, but if it's COVID-19 you'll also have more common COVID symptoms like fever and a dry cough. The hoarseness and difficulty swallowing linked to throat tightness are more likely to have another cause, such as tonsillitis. 13
Yamasaki T, Hemond C, Eisa M, Ganocy S, Fass R. The changing epidemiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease: Are patients getting younger? J Neurogastroenterol Motil . 2018;24(4):559-569. doi:10.5056/jnm18140
National Institute of Mental Health. Panic disorder: when fear overwhelms .
Vertigan AE, Kapela SL, Gibson PG. Laryngeal dysfunction in severe asthma: A cross-sectional observational study . J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract . 2021 Feb;9(2):897-905. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2020.09.034
American Thyroid Association. Goiter .
American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. Anaphylaxis overview .
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Treatment for GER and GERD .
National Institute of Mental Health. Anxiety disorders .
Scism J, Price M. Validation of smartphone based heart rate tracking for remote treatment of panic attacks . IEEE J Biomed Health Inform . 2020. doi:10.1109/JBHI.2020.3001573
Williamson A, Scholfield D, Awad Z. Swallowing Outcomes in 7 Patients Following Endoscopic Cricopharyngeal Myotomy With Primary Closure . Ear Nose Throat J. 2022 Jun;101(5):NP226-NP230. doi:10.1177/0145561320959569.
Cooper University Health Care. COVID-19 and Tonsillitis .
By Kristin Hayes, RN
Kristin Hayes, RN, is a registered nurse specializing in ear, nose, and throat disorders for both adults and children.
Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.
There was an error. Please try again.
This content does not have an English version.
This content does not have an Arabic version.
Sore throats. American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/content/sore-throats. Accessed Feb. 18, 2019.
Sore throat. Merck Manual Professional Version. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders/approach-to-the-patient-with-nasal-and-pharyngeal-symptoms/sore-throat. Accessed Feb. 18, 2019.
Seven tips to help you prevent a sore throat. American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. https://www.enthealth.org/be_ent_smart/seven-tips-to-help-you-prevent-a-sore-throat/. Accessed Feb. 18, 2019.
Sore throat. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/community/for-patients/common-illnesses/sore-throat.html. Accessed Feb. 9, 2021.
Drutz, JE. Sore throat in children and adolescents: Symptomatic treatment. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 18, 2019.
Stead W. Symptomatic treatment of acute pharyngitis in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 18, 2019.
Slippery Elm. Natural Medicines. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Accessed Feb. 22, 2019.
Taking care of your voice. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/voice/pages/takingcare.aspx. Accessed Feb. 18, 2019.
Chow AW, et al. Evaluation of acute pharyngitis in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 20, 2019.
Kellerman RD, et al. Pharyngitis. In: Conn's Current Therapy 2019. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2019. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 21, 2019.
Common colds: Protect yourself and others. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/features/rhinoviruses/index.html. Accessed Feb. 9, 2021.
AskMayoExpert. Streptococcal pharyngitis. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2018.
Kahrilas, PJ. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 25, 2019.
Gonzalez MD, et al. New developments in rapid diagnostic testing for children. Infectious Disease Clinics of North America. 2018;32:19.
AIDS and opportunistic infections. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/livingwithhiv/opportunisticinfections.html. Accessed Feb. 26, 2019.
Shelov SP, et al. Ears, Nose and Throat. In: Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5. 6th ed. New York, N.Y.: Bantam Books; 2014.
Products & Services
Book: Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies
Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to Raising a Healthy Child
Sleep Apnea Products from Mayo Clinic Store
Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic
© 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved.
A sore throat is pain, scratchiness or irritation of the throat that often worsens when you swallow. The most common cause of a sore throat (pharyngitis) is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. A sore throat caused by a virus resolves on its own.
Strep throat (streptococcal infection), a less common type of sore throat caused by bacteria, requires treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications. Other less common causes of sore throat might require more complex treatment.
The throat includes the esophagus, windpipe (trachea), voice b
Www Korean Sex Com
Little Sister Pussy
Julie Skyhigh High Heels