Throat discomfort, from breathing to eating?

About 3 weeks ago, I started feeling a slight discomfort in my throat. From the opening of the trachea, all the way down to the bottom of the esophagus. It was like whenever I breathed in and out, it felt like there was an extreme cooling sensation at the very beginning and end of a breath. This lasted for about a week and a half. It went away for a day, but then came back and seems to be present all the time. It's like there's a piece of peppermint gum stuck in my throat at all times. There even feels like there's a lump in there 24/7. It's starting to get kind of hard to swallow. Whenever I eat, whatever I eat, it flares up and causes quite a lot of discomfort. No pain, just discomfort. Even if I eat hot food like pizza, it feels like there's a constant cooling sensation in my esophagus. Not only that, but I feel "full" after just a few bites. Though I'm not really full, It's just that sensation. It's getting to the point where I don't want to eat anymore. It's been like this for a few weeks now. I'm getting kind of worried. There's also the fact that there seems to be a strange random build up of mucus in my throat. It'll sneak up on me in mid sentence, and I'll have to clear my throat before I continue.



Recent lifestyle changes are as follows: New job at a call center. Started drinking slimfast regularly. Gave up meat.



Any ideas? :SThroat discomfort, from breathing to eating?
If I had to guess, I'd say it sounds like you're suffering from Laryngo-Paryngeal reflux. I'd recommend you see an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist just to be sure, since it could be a symptom of a more serious disease. If you can't see a doctor for some reason, try cutting back on hot or spicy foods, wear looser clothing, avoid caffeine and alcohol, and have a helping of applesauce after large meals.