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Heart Palpitations Forum >> Symptoms and other concerns >> throat constriction with ectopics
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Message started by billycat on Aug 17^th, 2007, 4:29pm

Title: throat constriction with ectopics
Post by billycat on Aug 17^th, 2007, 4:29pm

Hi RLR and everyone,

I wanted to know if this feeling I get in my throat sometimes rings any bells with anyone suffering persistent ectopics... and if RLR can explain it please?

I get the usual lump in the throat feelings with anxiety and ectopics, but this feeling is different. It feels for a couple of seconds as if my throat is closing up completely and cutting off my air supply. Its really horrible.

It literally only lasts a couple of seconds - but it is always very scary and makes me jump and gasp for air. I get it quite often when I'm doing nothing - frequently when I'm going to sleep, and it can also wake me from sleep in a panic.

The physical feeling is similar to the feeling of pressing your finger in the 'dip' at the bottom of your neck, just above the top of the join in the collar bone... but it comes from the inside obviously!!

I'm hoping that RLR will say that this is just nerve irritation or something, because I don't want to start worrying about suffocating myself to death from the inside out :-? ! Especially as I've been doing quite well regards my health anxiety lately.

I also have another quick question for RLR re: beta blockers. I've been reading other posts and people mention being advised to take beta blockers as a relief of the severity or frequency of ectopics - but I already take Propanolol 40mg four times a day - and my ectopics are as forceful and as frequent as ever (have been taking them on and off for years, but daily for at least four months)!! So my question is - should I be asking for some other medication? Are they not working for me do you think?

Can you get used to them so that they become less effective? Years ago, I could take them for as little as two weeks and the ectopics would start subsiding - but not any more.

I've recently had a monitor test and will have an appointment with the cardio for the results in a few weeks - I wonder if I should ask for different treatment - I'm due to go abroad in October for a holiday and I'm already anxious!

Advice, as always, is very welcome!

With very bests wishes to all,
billycat

Title: Re: throat constriction with ectopics
Post by beadbabe on Aug 18^th, 2007, 12:46am

Hi billycat
I just wanted to say that I have this funny thing too and it happens mostly to me when I am falling asleep - like a little interrupted breath, but enough to wake me. I worried about it for a while but now it does't happen much. I often get a funny feeling in the throat when the ectopics are running on constant, so perhaps it is all interconnected. I don't think you will find you are the only one with this odd symptom.
I often have thought 'oh no now I can't breathe' but on thinking about it, of course I could. I kept breathing and it was just a funny odd sensation.
If you're worried about your forthcoming holiday or even excited about it, you can expect that to be a reason for ectopics to be rearing their ugly heads again.
I take a v small dose of beta blockers but they don't stop or limit my ectopics but I take them more for peace of mind. I expect at some point when I get to grips with this I will stop them.
bead

Title: Re: throat constriction with ectopics
Post by RLR on Aug 20^th, 2007, 4:09am

This is a very common symptom of both anxiety disorder and panic disorder. It is known as Globus Hystericus and affects the musculature proximal to the larynx. It is entirely harmless other than the sensation that invokes fear of choking or suffocating.

Remember our little anatomy lesson wherein the Vagus nerve innervates the larnyx as well as other areas. It is this connection that causes sufferers to experience Globus Hystericus. Many people find relief in drinking small sips of water or other clear liquids, which help to break the sensation and affirm that no blockage actually exists.

You'll be just fine.

Best regards and Good Health

Title: Re: throat constriction with ectopics
Post by billycat on Aug 21^st, 2007, 5:14am

Thanks for your replies Beadbabe and RLR, the reassurance is always good!

RLR - I wondered if you noticed the second part of my query re: beta blockers and severity of ectopics?

Basically I wonder if I should ask for a medication review as my propanolol (40mg x four per day) doesn't seem to greatly affect the symptoms anymore. I also notice that my heart rate is fastish sometimes and didn't think it should be if I'm taking so many beta blockers regulalry.

Does the body become accustomed to the medication do you think??

Thank you,

billycat