A clicking sound during swallowing is a common experience. While often normal, it can occasionally signal an underlying issue that might need attention. Understanding its potential origins helps determine when further investigation might be beneficial.
Why the Clicking Happens
Swallowing involves complex coordination of muscles and anatomical structures. Several of these components can produce a clicking sound as they move. One common source is the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the nose. These tubes open and close during swallowing to equalize air pressure in the ears, often creating a click or pop. This pressure equalization is a regular function.
Another potential origin of clicking sounds is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jawbone to the skull. The jaw moves when swallowing, and if there is an issue with the TMJ, such as a displaced cartilage disc, it can result in a clicking or popping sound. Pain with jaw movement or chewing may accompany TMJ-related clicking.
The laryngeal cartilages and the hyoid bone in the throat are also frequent sources of clicking. The hyoid bone is a U-shaped bone located above the larynx that does not connect directly to other bones but is suspended by muscles and ligaments. The larynx, or voice box, is primarily composed of cartilage, including the thyroid cartilage.
During swallowing, the larynx moves upward and forward, and friction between these cartilages and the hyoid bone can create a clicking sensation. This can occur if there are anatomical variations, such as an enlarged hyoid bone or a shortened distance between the thyroid cartilage and hyoid bone.
Recognizing When to Be Concerned
While many instances of clicking during swallowing are harmless, certain symptoms suggest medical consultation. One such symptom is pain while swallowing, which can range from mild discomfort to sharp, localized pain. If the clicking is consistently painful, it warrants attention.
Difficulty swallowing, medically known as dysphagia, is another symptom that should prompt concern. This might manifest as feeling food stuck in the throat or chest, or a sensation of difficult or impossible swallowing. Persistent hoarseness, a change in voice quality, can also be a sign of an underlying issue when present with clicking.
A persistent feeling of a lump in the throat, known as globus sensation, when combined with clicking, may also indicate a need for evaluation. While globus sensation itself is often benign, if it is accompanied by true difficulty swallowing, pain, or other symptoms, it could suggest a more significant condition. Unexplained weight loss occurring alongside a clicking noise should also be investigated, as it can be a sign of various medical conditions. Additionally, if the clicking is new, worsening, or occurred after trauma, it is advisable to seek medical advice.
Next Steps for Evaluation
If clicking during swallowing is accompanied by concerning symptoms, consulting a healthcare professional is the next step. An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist is often the appropriate doctor to evaluate these symptoms. They will begin with a thorough medical history, asking about the clicking and associated symptoms.
A physical examination will follow, involving palpation of the neck during swallowing to pinpoint the source of the clicking. This assessment helps identify anatomical irregularities or tenderness. Depending on the findings, the doctor may recommend further diagnostic tests. These could include an endoscopy, where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is used to visualize the throat and vocal cords. Imaging studies, such as a CT scan of the neck, might also be ordered to gain a detailed view of the laryngeal cartilages, hyoid bone, and surrounding structures. These evaluations help the doctor determine the cause of the clicking and formulate an appropriate plan.