In very rare instances, drinking coffee can also cause throat tightness from underlying gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
According to Cleveland Clinic, drinking or eating large amounts of certain items — such as coffee, chocolate, or citrus foods — may relax a ring-shaped muscle at the bottom of your esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter. As a result, stomach contents may move back up your esophagus and, rarely, all the way to your throat, causing symptoms.
Other symptoms of GERD include:
- Persistent heartburn
- Regurgitation
- Chest pain
Ingesting caffeine can trigger GERD symptoms for some people, according to Harvard Health Publishing. For those who have caffeine as a GERD trigger, ingesting it can give the sensation of throat tightness and trouble swallowing. It also can give the feeling that you have food stuck in your throat, or even the sensation of choking in some people.
If you suspect a gastrointestinal issue such as GERD, see a doctor to get the right treatment. You can also try to avoid having certain foods and beverages — such as coffee, carbonated drinks, chocolate, and alcohol — to see if your symptoms improve, according to Harvard Health Publishing.
Then, you can start having these items again one by one to see if they trigger symptoms. This can help you identify and limit your intake of GERD trigger foods in the future. Also, try not to lie down for about two hours after you drink caffeinated beverages. That also may help prevent reflux, according to NYU Langone Health.
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