A clicking sensation in the throat during swallowing is a common experience for many individuals. This sound or feeling, often described as a pop, click, or crackle, can range from barely noticeable to quite distinct. While it may cause concern, a throat click is frequently a benign phenomenon resulting from the normal mechanics of swallowing.
Understanding Throat Clicks
The throat is a complex anatomical region, housing structures involved in both breathing and swallowing. Swallowing involves a coordinated series of movements among cartilage, bones, muscles, and joints in the neck. Key components include the larynx (voice box), which contains cartilages like the thyroid and cricoid, and the hyoid bone, a U-shaped bone located above the larynx that is not connected to any other bone directly, but rather suspended by muscles and ligaments.
Clicking often arises from movement or friction between these various structures. As food or liquid passes, the larynx elevates and moves forward to protect the airway, while other muscles contract and relax. This movement can sometimes produce audible clicks, similar to sounds joints make elsewhere in the body.
Common Causes of Throat Clicks
Throat clicks can stem from several common and generally harmless factors. One frequent cause is air bubbles moving through the esophagus. Swallowing air with food or drink, or gas from digestion, can create small pockets of air that produce a popping sound as they pass through the throat.
Another common reason involves the movement of laryngeal cartilages. The thyroid and cricoid cartilages can shift or rub against each other during swallowing. This can be due to slight anatomical variations or age-related changes, such as calcification.
Muscle tension or spasm in the throat and neck can also contribute to clicking. Tight or involuntarily contracting muscles around the larynx and pharynx can make movement less fluid during swallowing, leading to sounds. This tension can arise from stress, poor posture, or voice overuse.
The hyoid bone, a unique floating bone, plays a significant role in swallowing and speech. It moves extensively during swallowing, and a click can occur if it rubs against structures like the thyroid cartilage or cervical vertebrae. This phenomenon, sometimes called “clicking larynx,” may be due to variations in bone size or a shortened distance between the hyoid and thyroid cartilage.
Issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jaw to the skull, can also manifest as throat sensations or clicks. The jaw joint’s close proximity to the throat and shared muscle groups mean that TMJ dysfunction, often characterized by popping or clicking in the jaw itself, can sometimes be perceived as originating from the throat during swallowing.
When to Seek Medical Evaluation
While many throat clicks are benign, certain accompanying symptoms warrant medical evaluation. These include:
Persistent pain during swallowing (odynophagia).
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), especially if food or liquids consistently feel stuck.
Unexplained weight loss or signs of nutritional deficiencies.
Changes in voice, such as persistent hoarseness.
A constant sensation of a lump in the throat (globus sensation), particularly if it worsens.
Visible neck swelling or a palpable mass.
Choking or coughing episodes while eating or drinking.
Any new neurological symptoms like weakness or numbness.
If the throat click is new, worsening, or causing significant anxiety.
Diagnosis and Management
If a throat click causes concern, a medical consultation typically begins with a thorough review of the patient’s medical history and a physical examination. The doctor will likely palpate the neck during swallowing to identify the click’s source and location, and perform an oral cavity examination. Depending on findings and any red flag symptoms, diagnostic tests may be ordered.
These can include:
A barium swallow study, using X-ray images to visualize swallowing and identify abnormalities.
Laryngoscopy or endoscopy, using a flexible tube with a camera for direct visualization of the throat and vocal cords.
Imaging studies like CT scans or MRIs of the neck for detailed views of soft tissues, cartilage, and bones.
These advanced tests are typically reserved for cases with specific concerns beyond a simple, isolated click.
Management strategies depend on the underlying cause. If the clicking is determined to be benign and not associated with other concerning symptoms, reassurance is often the primary approach. For clicks related to muscle tension, physical therapy or relaxation techniques may be recommended. If inflammation is a factor, anti-inflammatory medications might be prescribed. In very rare instances, for specific anatomical abnormalities causing pain or significant dysfunction, surgical intervention to trim or adjust cartilage or bone may be considered.