Get the Support You Need

Learn from thousands of users who have made their way through our courses. Need help getting started? Watch this short video.

today's top discussions:

logo

11 years and counting

Timbo637

2024-10-31 6:49 AM

Quit Smoking Community

logo

Feels like hell week all over!!

Timbo637

2024-10-30 9:38 AM

Quit Smoking Community

logo

Roller Coaster Withdrawal

Timbo637

2024-10-14 12:28 PM

Quit Smoking Community

logo

Smile....and don't shoot the messenger

Timbo637

2024-09-27 3:17 PM

Quit Smoking Community

This Month’s Leaders:

Most Supportive

Most Loved

Browse through 411.768 posts in 47.066 threads.

161,294 Members

Please welcome our newest members: SG1501, Clam123, Blueeyez, DSKEvan22, AN1568

The "gag feeling"


14 years ago 0 1665 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Thanks Teebs, I'm going to try it too.
14 years ago 0 6252 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Teebs

I like this, I'm going to try it.

Thank you.
Davit.
14 years ago 0 286 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
In terms of the "lump in the throat" feeling that is not caused by post-nasal drip but rather just 100% a symptom of anxiety, I for the first time ever found something that gives some temporary relief. It's similar to exercises you do to relax other sets of muscles, where you tense them up for 10 seconds and then relax them fully to let the stored up tension go.
 
In this case, you sit up straight with good posture, then lift your head so you're stretching out the muscles of your throat. You can increase the stretch by lifting your chin and lower lip towards the ceiling, or even pretending that you're kissing the sky. Then you return your head to facing forward to relax the muscles, and repeat this cycle for about 10 times.
 
It doesn't cure the feeling, but it definitely provides some relief - like I said, the first time I've found anything that helps alleviate it at all!
14 years ago 0 1071 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I use Ayr Saline Solution.  You just spray it up your nose and it works great.  If you use it a lot in the winter, it may dry out your sinus' and when you blow your nose there may be a tiny bit of blood.  But, then I just use it less.   
14 years ago 0 1665 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Davit and Teebs:  It took a couple of times to get the real hang of it, but basically you do it over your sink with head tilted to one side - then switch over to the other side for the other nostril.  You do feel a bit of pressure in the sinus cavity, but doesn't hurt at all.  The water goes in one nostril and out the other, washing away any pollens, dust, etc.  Doesn't take long and right away you feel cleared up and can breathe.  You only do it once a day.  When you buy the neti pot you get little packages of solution to mix with warm water.  All the instructions are there and easily understood.  Most pharmacies have it and Walmart has it, not expensive and you can buy packages of solution later without having to buy the neti pot again.  Good luck.
14 years ago 0 6252 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I have to find one of these Neti pots. Did you know that a lot of medications are sprayed in the nose because they are easily absorbed, transdermal. Also the nose is great for absorbing bacteria, with staph being one of the more common ones. We all carry a certain amount of bacteria on our skin but inhaling it makes it more available. Saline is a mild bactericide. It is used to cleanse wounds and at .09 % won't raise your blood pressure, Same percent as blood. A lot of things are absorbable through the skin. My cat gets his thyroid medication transdermaly through his ear flap.
I am often in dusty conditions, saw dust, cat hair and garden stuff. I'm going to try this.

Davit.
14 years ago 0 286 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Whoops, I didn't know we weren't allowed to post links so they took my link out of the post below. The name of the feeling of having a lump in your throat is globus pharyngis, also known as globus hystericus, and you can find more information about it by searching online.
 
Sunny - I read about neti pot but it sounded kind uncomfortable to irrigate the nasal passages that way. Was it?
14 years ago 0 1665 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi everyone:  not exactly re: gag feeling but about the post-nasal drip/stuffiness.  I use a Neti pot.  It works well if you use it every day during your allergy season.  I can't take allergy meds. and rarely use a nasal spray during my worse time.  The Neti also works well when you have a cold.
I find anxiety/stress worse when I'm overtired too.
14 years ago 0 6252 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Teebs

Thank you, I knew it was a product of anxiety but didn't know it had a name.  I don't get it from allergy's but from arthritis, tilting my head wrong. But being anxious will bring it on even when my Arthritis is not acting up.  I think anxiety is capable of doing other similar things to us. Well worth finding ways to deal with the anxiety. By the way, it is worse tonight because I am tired. Tired seems to make my anxiety worse.

Davit.
14 years ago 0 286 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Shari - Thanks so much for this. My allergies were especially bad at the end of July and most of the over-the-counter meds weren't doing anything for my post nasal drip. I'll try the throat spray.
 
While post nasal drip makes my "gag feeling" worse, I just found out that the feeling is actually a recognized symptom of anxiety with a name:
 
 
This is reassuring to me, because I was starting to worry there was something else wrong with me when the gag feeling didn't go away even when my allergies got a bit better. At least I can tell myself it's the anxiety and that it won't hurt me, even if it's uncomfortable!
 


Reading this thread: