What the heck is this? Reflux? Hairball?

[Mybobowler]

Slightly lighthearted title and I know no one can diagnose me on the internet, but I need to know where to pitch my anxiety levels!

Past month or so, I've intermittently had a sensation of something stuck in the base of my throat. It feels like a lump of chunky vomit, but I can't shift it. Also accompanied by a swollen feeling at the back of my throat. Had the occasional bitter taste, but it doesn't hurt, so no heartburn feelings. Worse if I bend my neck down or from side to side.

I've never had reflux or heartburn before, even in pregnancy, so I have no idea if that's what this is. It's really uncomfortable and distracting. I've been chewing on Rennies but they don't seem to make any difference. Does this sound familiar to anyone? I'm bouncing between "it's probably anxiety, stop being a hypochondriac" and "defo cancer", so that's fun. Btw I'm early 30s, non smoker, normal BMI.

Hopeful bump. Anyone?

It does sound like reflux, the lump in the throat feeling is called globus sensation I think!

Try over the counter Nexium (providing no contraindications or allergies of course!) for 7 days and if it doesn't resolve I'd make an appointment with the GP for more tests.

Anxiety, possibly, if you are?

Silent reflux. Again possibly. Gaviscon Advance is your friend or lansoprazole via prescription.

If that doesn't help referral to ENT via GP.

@Meerschweinchen1990 ohh thank you! I'll pick some up and give that a go. So bizarre that it seems to have come from nowhere!

@slidingdrawers I don't think I'm particularly anxious (I mean, given the year we're all having!) but I do have a tendency to fret over my health if I get weird symptoms.

I've just done a bit more googling about reflux and it does sound like that. I'll try some OTC stuff and see how I go. Rennies just aren't cutting it, although I am now minty fresh.

Could it be a tonsil stone?

Globus?

@OLLIE2011 I had my tonsils removed when I was a teenager, so I dont think so?

@LisaLemon I've just googled it, and it seems like it could be that. Would that also cause the swollen feeling around the back of my throat though? I'm assuming I'd need an ENT referral to find out.

I'll get going with the OTC reflux medicine and make an appointment with my GP. It's really bad this afternoon, my voice has gone all hoarse.