I had a feeling on the left of my Adam’s apple as if someone was placing their thumb on it.

Question: I am a 51 year old male. I have had heart burn from July 2018. Then July 2019 the acid went to my throat and just sits there. Even if i clear it it still sits there. From December 2020 i had a feeling on the left of my Adam’s apple as if someone was placing their thumb on it. Not with pressure but just placing it on my throat. But also at the same time December 2020 my throat became very itchy and dry. Then 28th of April i got a burning sensation in the exact same spot. Left of my Adam’s apple. I would not say it was painful but very uncomfortable and very conscious of it. Also my heart burn did clear from when i first got it in July 2018. Can’t remember when but it has come back and it seems higher up like just below my neck not my chest. Also from December 2020 along with my other symptoms i would say i had a voluntary cough. It is actually when i eat or drink that it makes me feel the urge to cough. I think also my burning pain i have now fluctuates to just a burning that i can feel to something bordering on quite painful. I think thats all and i dont think i have missed anything out.

Answer: Hello. Thanks for your question. Looks like you had (and still have) a serious GERD –
Gastroesophageal Reflux – problem. The pressure you describe in your throat -feeling of pressure or what some patients descibe as a lump like sensation is probably caused by LPR (Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease) – a result of your history and battle with acid reflux. As a result of acid reflux in your throat, your body is reacting through excess mucus and inflammation. In my opinion you need to get your acid reflux problem under control. First: Watch your diet – cut out coffee, acidic drinks, spice, fats, alcohol. Eat small meals. Don’t lie horizontal after your eat. 2. Other treatments you can use involves the use of antiacids, H-2-receptor blockers, proton pump inhibitors. If problem persists or worsens, you may also want to consult an ENT/Gastroenterologist for prescription strength medications as well as possible x-ray, acid (pH) probe test and upper endoscopy.

Let us know how it goes.

Dr. D. Zluf
Dr. D. Zluf