Surely everyone knows the temporary sensation of a lump in the throat. What is the reason for this sensation, and what mechanisms of our body are involved in this?
Possible reasons
First of all, it is important to understand that the sensation of a lump in the throat can be associated with various factors. Of great importance is the duration and frequency of its occurrence. If it often seems that something is interfering in the throat, there is a feeling of inexplicable constriction, etc. - this is a medical symptom. In this case, consult a doctor.
We are interested in the sensation of a lump in the throat as an ordinary phenomenon characteristic of any person. It does not cause any harm or danger to health. This is the usual reaction of the body.
The main reason for the formation of a lump is associated with the emotional state of a person, and the main role in this process is played by the muscles of the pharynx.
How does a “lump” arise?
In fact, this is nothing more than a spasm of the pharyngeal muscles. In this state, the muscles are in tension for a long time. This happens approximately as follows.
A person experiences strong emotions, which the body perceives as stress. In a stressful situation, he begins to work more actively, as if mobilizing all available resources to deal with an external threat.
In this case, several changes occur at once:
- pulse increases;
- heart rate increases;
- blood pressure increases;
- increased respiratory rate;
- blood rushes more actively to the muscles, and with it oxygen.
The reaction of the body of this kind is quite natural and has an unconscious character. It cannot be controlled, as, for example, and digestion processes.
The larynx takes a direct part in the formation of the lump. In its structure there is a epiglottis (cartilage), which performs the function of a septum. The brain controls it, sending certain signals - impulses.
Interesting fact: speed of nerve impulses - from 3 to 120 m / s.
When a person simply breathes, the epiglottis is in an elevated position - air enters the lungs. If we eat, the brain sends another signal, lowering the epiglottis. So food does not enter the lungs, but into the esophagus.
When the body is under stress, the brain begins to send two different signals. A person breathes faster, respectively, the epiglottis tends to a raised position in order to maximize the glottis. At the same time, it is necessary to protect the lungs from the fluid that is produced in the nasopharynx during crying. Because of this, the epiglottis is trying to close.
Thus, the sensation of a lump is a confrontation between the epiglottis and the glottis. Because of this, a muscle spasm occurs that overlaps part of the larynx.
Interesting fact: To get rid of a lump in the throat under stress, you can drink water. So the brain will finally understand that it is necessary to lower the epiglottis cartilage (water should not enter the lungs) and the confrontation will disappear.
This question is still not fully understood, since there is also a psychological component.For example, why does the brain send signals even before a person begins to cry? It is believed that the spasm in this case occurs due to the fact that a person holds back tears, and the muscles are compressed at an unconscious level.
A lump in the throat occurs due to prolonged tension in the muscles of the pharynx. Under ordinary circumstances, this happens when a person is stressed. Most often, a lump accompanies or precedes crying. Muscle spasm occurs due to the resistance of the pharynx and epiglottis cartilage, which lowers or rises as necessary. Directs the epiglottis brain, which sends the appropriate signals. In a stressful situation, double signals from the brain arrive and the muscles are temporarily compressed.
