I have an aberrant ICA in my right middle ear, along with sinusitis, rhinitis, and asthma. I often develop laryngitis and sometimes ear infections. Recently, my throat feels like it is choking, especially during stress, anxiety, or sudden panic, making it difficult to breathe. Could this be related to my larynx, sinus problems, or something else?
A choking sensation during stress, anxiety or sudden panic can commonly be related to anxiety or panic, which can cause throat tightness and a feeling of difficulty breathing. However, your history of laryngitis, sinusitis, rhinitis, and asthma can also contribute through throat irritation, postnasal mucus, or airway narrowing. An ENT specialist can examine your larynx and throat to check for inflammation or other problems. Your aberrant ICA (internal carotid artery) should also be considered when assessing your ear and surrounding structures, although it typically does not cause a choking sensation. Because you sometimes find it difficult to breathe, please discuss these episodes with your ENT specialist and respiratory doctor. Seek urgent medical care if breathing becomes severely difficult, you develop noisy breathing, blue lips, or cannot swallow.