What causes Clicking or Popping in Throat when Swallowing?

Thanks! I also agree with you. For folks following along on this thread, I went to the ENT yesterday and he acknowledged the clicking sound. He confirmed it is hyoid bone that is rubbing on the thyroid cartilage. He did a nasal endoscopy and everything was clear, except for excess thick mucus. He wants to try steroids and muscle relaxer medication but I'm not so sure this will work so still thinking it over. I asked if I can get imaging done instead he said first try medication then imaging if it still persists in the next 4-6 weeks. For anyone who wants to connect on this feel free to send me a message and we can discuss ideas. Thanks!

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@letsolve

At age 17, you are developing some good strategies for taking care of yourself, good for you!

I'm glad that you plan to continue to search for an answer. Persistence often pays dividends when you are dealing with a unique health problem. I'll be interested in hearing about your visit with the surgeon regarding your tonsils.

Will you post again after that appointment?

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Hi everyone! A few days ago I wrote a post here saying that I would do the surgical evaluation of tonsil removal, because that's what my previous doctor identified. And, I had this surgical evaluation a few days ago, well... The doctor checked my throat initially to see the tonsils, and at first he said that there is a greater prominence of one than the other, but he also said that it is not a large prominence, and that is not something that would bother me, I explained in more detail about the click and he thought it was better to do a nasofibrolaryngoscopy, and at the same time I did. the doctor was very attentive and even asked me to press on the pain/click area, and so I did. Nothing was identified on the inside of the larynx, after all, the click is on the outside. as nothing was identified in the internal area of ​​the larynx, the doctor suspected an Eagle's Syndrome and referred me for a tomography of the styloid process. Honestly, I'm a little apprehensive this time, as it's the second CT scan I've had in less than three months. although today, tomography machines are more modern and emit less radiation, it is still necessary to be irradiated, I believe that this makes anyone, especially younger people, apprehensive, and I honestly don't believe it's Eagle Syndrome, after all, I don't have jaw pain... The only thing I notice when the click happens is a prominence of a thyroid cartilage plate, which appears to be larger than the other side. Unfortunately, the neck tomography I did earlier did not identify this prominence. . Anyway, the text was quite long, but I would like to ask you for some advice here, do you think I should do another CT scan even though I suspect it is not Eagle Syndrome?

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Hello @letsolve,

It is good to hear from you again. I'm glad that you saw a specialist who ruled out a problem with the tonsil.

Unfortunately, on Connect, we cannot give medical advice. Therefore, the decision as to whether or not to have a tomography needs to be a decision of yours with the help of your parents and your doctor. When your doctor suggested a tomography, did you mention your previous CT scan? If not, it might be a good idea to call his office and discuss this with him or his nurse and mention your concern about having two scans in close proximity. The nurse or doctor might be able to put your mind at ease about having another scan or even suggest postponing it for a few months.

If you would like to learn more about Eagle's Syndrome, Connect does have a discussion group. Here is the link to that group, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/eagles-syndrome/. In this group, you will meet @abby4paige @ladylove1962, and @wuebbenjohn, who have recently posted about Eagle's Syndrome.

I urge you to give this some thought and discuss it with your parents and doctor. Can you do that?

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I understand perfectly... and thanks for the indication of this other topic, I had also been observing it together with this one... and about that, we heard from the doctor what we already knew, but it was good to reinforce, we know that CT scans and exams that emit radiation are only indicated in cases that are really necessary, what the doctor said was not very different from that. well, we don't know exactly what to do, let's think about it; but honestly maybe I'll end up doing it, even if it's to rule out possibilities. any news I know about it, solutions, recommendations, I'll update here again. Thanks for answering me!

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Hello everyone, I read all your experiences and it's good to know that I'm not alone. I'm 23 years old and I've been struggling with clicking larynx while swallowing for a week now. I can palpate it in my hyoid bone especially when my head is flexed. Fortunately there isn't any pain but as you all know the sensation is so annoying and draws my attention every time I swallow.
Today I went to an ENT doctor, he is mostly specialized in laryngeal problems. Please look for the doctor's CV or social media before you go and make sure they're interested in larynx. He could feel the click as well and told me if I went to another ENT doctor they probably wouldn't care about it because of lack of their knowledge. He told me the best option surgery if it affects my daily life and psychology. If I consider surgery we'll see which parts are in contact with swallow imaging and he'll shave these parts. The procedure is similar to correcting a trans person's Adam's apple.
I'm afraid of having surgery even though I know most of the people have in their lives. So we talked about other options, he said gaining weight can help it since fat tissue will accumulate in my neck but not the best option so I will try suprahyoid muscle exercises.
I know it's a long process but I will be patient and try not to focus my life to my swallowing. I know it's annoying but there're so much worse health issues. I will let you know if there'll be any improvement with suprahyoid exercises.

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I have been experiencing this same sensation for two years now. I have recently been diagnosed with Myasthenia gravis, and am fairly certain this is one of the issues I will be dealing with for the rest of my life because of it. Wondering if there are others out there who are reading this that may have MG, and are experiencing the same symptom?

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