Can Low Iron Cause Throat Tightness? Understanding Plummer-Vinson Syndrome

October 14, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the World Health Organization, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide. While often associated with fatigue and pale skin, many are unaware that a severe and chronic form of this deficiency can also cause throat tightness, a condition known as Plummer-Vinson syndrome.

Quick Summary

Severe, chronic iron deficiency can lead to a rare condition called Plummer-Vinson syndrome, where esophageal webs form, causing dysphagia or the sensation of throat tightness. This issue is often overlooked but can be reversed with iron supplementation and, if necessary, medical procedures.

Key Points

Plummer-Vinson Syndrome (PVS): A rare condition where chronic, severe iron deficiency causes esophageal webs, leading to throat tightness and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
Mucosal Atrophy: Low iron levels can cause the lining of the pharynx and esophagus to atrophy and become inflamed, contributing to web formation.
Neuromuscular Dysfunction: Iron deficiency can impair the proper functioning of throat muscles and nerves, potentially causing a globus sensation, or the feeling of a lump in the throat.
Diagnosis is Key: A proper diagnosis involves blood tests for iron levels and a potential endoscopy or barium swallow to identify esophageal webs.
Treatment is Effective: Correcting the iron deficiency with supplementation often resolves swallowing problems, though severe cases may require endoscopic dilation to widen the esophagus.
Associated Risks: PVS carries an increased risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma in the throat or esophagus if left untreated.
Beyond PVS: Low iron can cause other sensory symptoms in the throat, which may improve with iron therapy even before anemia is corrected.

The Surprising Connection Between Iron and Throat Health

While often dismissed as a minor ailment, a sensation of throat tightness, or dysphagia, can indicate an underlying medical issue. In rare cases, the culprit may be chronic iron deficiency, a condition far more serious than simple fatigue. Iron is essential for the healthy functioning of all cells, including the epithelial tissues lining your throat and esophagus. When iron levels plummet over a long period, these tissues can become atrophied and inflamed, leading to the development of thin, web-like membranes. These formations, known as esophageal webs, physically narrow the passage for food, creating the sensation of tightness or having something stuck in the throat. This triad of dysphagia, iron deficiency, and esophageal webs is the hallmark of Plummer-Vinson syndrome (PVS).

What Exactly Is Plummer-Vinson Syndrome?

Plummer-Vinson syndrome is a rare disorder, primarily affecting the upper digestive tract and commonly seen in middle-aged women, strongly linked to long-term iron deficiency anemia. The deficiency impacts the health of the mucosal lining of the pharynx and esophagus and impairs swallowing muscles, leading to obstructive webs.

Key features include chronic iron deficiency anemia, dysphagia (especially with solids), esophageal webs, glossitis, angular cheilitis, and an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma if untreated.

Other Mechanisms Connecting Low Iron to Throat Sensations

Beyond PVS, low iron may contribute to a feeling of a lump in the throat (globus sensation). Iron's role in neuromuscular function means deficiency can alter muscle tone and sensory perception in the throat. Iron replacement therapy has been shown to improve these sensory issues.

Comparing Causes of Throat Tightness

It is important to differentiate between low iron as a cause of throat tightness and other more common culprits. Consulting a healthcare professional is essential for a proper diagnosis.


Feature	Low Iron (PVS)	GERD (Acid Reflux)	Thyroid Disorders	Anxiety/Stress (Globus)
Symptom Profile	Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), fatigue, pale skin, spoon-shaped nails	Heartburn, regurgitation, persistent cough, sensation of lump	Goiter (neck swelling), voice changes, unexplained weight changes	Feeling of a lump in the throat that comes and goes, especially when swallowing saliva
Underlying Cause	Chronic iron deficiency leading to mucosal atrophy and webs	Stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus	Enlarged or inflamed thyroid gland putting pressure on the trachea	Psychological stress, muscle tension, and heightened sensory awareness
Prevalence	Rare	Very Common	Common, especially in women	Common
Diagnosis	Blood tests for iron/ferritin, endoscopy, barium swallow	Clinical assessment, endoscopy, pH monitoring	Blood tests for thyroid hormones, imaging	Psychological evaluation, ruling out organic causes
Treatment	Iron supplementation, esophageal dilation	Medications, lifestyle changes	Medication, possible surgery	Relaxation techniques, therapy, addressing underlying stress

Diagnosis and Treatment

A doctor evaluating persistent throat tightness will likely start with blood tests to check for anemia and iron stores. If iron deficiency is found, a barium swallow or upper endoscopy may be used to visualize the esophagus and look for webs.

Treating PVS involves correcting the iron deficiency with oral iron supplements. This often resolves swallowing issues as the mucosa heals. Severe or persistent webs may require endoscopic dilation to stretch the esophagus. Due to increased cancer risk, PVS patients need regular follow-up.

Prevention and Management

Preventing iron deficiency through an iron-rich diet and managing underlying conditions that affect nutrient absorption is key to avoiding PVS. Long-term dietary changes and medical follow-up are important for effective management.

Conclusion

While uncommon, low iron can cause throat tightness through Plummer-Vinson syndrome, highlighting the widespread impact of nutritional deficiencies. Persistent throat discomfort warrants medical attention for a proper diagnosis. Treatment with iron supplementation and potentially dilation can effectively resolve symptoms. Maintaining good nutritional health is a crucial preventative measure.

To learn more about nutritional deficiencies, you can visit the World Health Organization website for authoritative information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plummer-Vinson syndrome is a rare condition characterized by the triad of chronic iron deficiency anemia, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and the formation of esophageal webs, which are thin, membrane-like growths in the upper esophagus.

While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, long-term iron deficiency is thought to cause atrophy and degeneration of the mucosal tissue in the mouth, pharynx, and esophagus, which can lead to the development of these web-like membranes.

Yes, correcting the underlying iron deficiency with iron supplementation often reverses the symptoms. In many cases, the mucosal tissue heals and the dysphagia improves. If webs are severe, endoscopic dilation may be necessary.

Yes, it is possible. Symptoms like globus sensation can sometimes occur due to low iron stores even before a full-blown anemia develops. This is because iron is crucial for proper nerve and muscle function in the throat.

Besides throat tightness, other common symptoms of iron deficiency include fatigue, pale skin, headaches, dizziness, brittle or spoon-shaped nails (koilonychia), glossitis (sore tongue), and angular cheilitis (cracks at the corners of the mouth).

You should see a doctor for any persistent throat tightness, especially if it is accompanied by difficulty swallowing solids, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or other symptoms of anemia. A medical professional can rule out other conditions and provide an accurate diagnosis.

Yes, many other conditions can cause throat tightness, including acid reflux (GERD), thyroid disorders (goiter), and anxiety. It is crucial to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis as the treatment varies significantly depending on the cause.