Differential Diagnosis for a Feeling of a Corn Kernel Stuck in the Back of the Throat
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Given the patient's history of reflux, this is the most likely cause. The sensation of something being stuck in the throat can be due to acid reflux irritating the throat or causing inflammation.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR): Similar to GERD, but the reflux affects the larynx and pharynx more directly, leading to symptoms like a foreign body sensation in the throat.
- Mucous or Postnasal Drip: This can cause a sensation of something being stuck in the back of the throat, especially if the patient has a cold or sinus infection, though the patient does not have allergies or asthma.
- Tonsilloliths (Tonsil Stones): These are small, hard deposits that can form on the tonsils and cause a feeling of something being stuck in the throat.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Esophageal Cancer or Other Esophageal Obstructions: Although rare, especially in a young patient, any persistent sensation of something being stuck in the throat warrants consideration of serious conditions like esophageal cancer or other obstructions.
- Foreign Body: Accidental ingestion of a small object could cause this sensation, and while less likely in an adult, it's crucial not to miss this diagnosis.
- Angioedema: A condition that causes swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, which could lead to a feeling of obstruction, though typically it presents with more pronounced swelling and potentially life-threatening airway compromise.
Rare Diagnoses
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis: An inflammatory condition of the esophagus that can cause difficulty swallowing and a feeling of food getting stuck, more common in patients with allergies or asthma, but can occur without these conditions.
- Zenker's Diverticulum: A condition where a pouch forms in the pharynx, which can trap food and cause the sensation of something being stuck in the throat.
- Stylopharyngeal Muscle Spasm or Other Muscle Disorders: Though rare, spasms or disorders of the muscles in the throat can cause unusual sensations, including feeling like something is stuck.