Whose throat is causing symptoms like mine? I think no one's symptoms match mine, is this true?
I have been experiencing a throat/swallowing problem for the last 5 months. The symptoms fluctuate, but
during severe episodes I have extreme difficulty swallowing.
During these attacks, I cannot swallow even my own saliva and have to spit it out. Trying to swallow
repeatedly makes the symptoms significantly worse. Episodes usually last 30–60 minutes and have been
severe enough to require emergency visits. Swallowing itself triggers or worsens the episode rather than
food becoming completely stuck.
The main sensation is deep inside the throat around and just below the Adam's apple. It feels like a severe
internal cramp/spasm or as if the swallowing mechanism is not functioning properly. Speaking worsens the
symptoms during attacks, so I try to avoid talking. My voice may feel strained or abnormal. Breathing
remains possible, but it feels as if extra effort or pressure is required.
Even between severe attacks, swallowing is not completely normal. I eat very slowly and carefully because
swallowing can trigger a more severe episode. Large tablets are especially difficult to swallow. Swallowing
also causes increasing pressure in both ears, temporary muffled hearing, and occasionally ear pain. Hard
foods make these symptoms significantly worse. The symptoms are usually worse at night and become
significantly worse when my throat feels dry. Heavy or spicy meals can cause throat burning, irritation, and a
feeling of something being stuck in the throat. Recently, I have also developed a burning/stinging sensation
deep inside the throat, which becomes more intense during swallowing.
Recently, I have also experienced sudden episodes of deep, sharp pain inside the ear, sometimes occurring
even at rest. Yawning makes this pain significantly worse, and the painful sensation may radiate toward the
base of my tongue and deep inside the throat.
During one particularly severe episode, I experienced intense throat discomfort along with
numbness/tingling sensations involving the throat, face, neck, and body. I have lost approximately 3-4 kg
since the symptoms began.
During some severe attacks, I also experience sudden nausea without vomiting, whole-body numbness, a
sensation of reduced body sensation, very rapid or irregular heartbeat, cold feet, intense weakness, and a
feeling that I may faint. These episodes usually last about 10 minutes and have occurred repeatedly
(approximately 25-30 times), with one recent episode being the most severe.
When this attack happens, I cannot stop myself even if I want to and I definitely have to go to the emergency room. I am not able to handle it at home. 😢 😢