Globus pharyngeus, also called globus sensation or globus, is the feeling of having something stuck in the throat. Globus may be a symptom of certain conditions. Show According to a 2017 article in the journal Frontline Gastroenterology, healthcare professionals once considered globus to be a mostly psychological condition. However, researchers now understand that it can be a symptom of both psychological and physical conditions. Although globus is not painful, it can be uncomfortable and affect a person’s quality of life. This article discusses what a globus sensation is, the potential causes, and how to treat it. The article also looks at what else might be causing the sensation and when to contact a doctor. Globus can cause a person to feel as if there is a persistent lump in the throat despite there being no presence of a physical blockage. According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), people may describe the sensation as like something constricting their throat. However, it is extremely common and is not a cause for concern. Globus can also cause a person to experience:
The symptoms can worsen during times of stress. The exact cause of globus is currently unknown. However, it can often occur as a result of stress and anxiety, particularly when people are holding back strong emotions. An article from 2015 found that up to 96% of people with globus found that symptoms worsened in times of high emotional intensity. In addition, another common cause is gastroesophageul reflux disease (GERD). The authors of the article state that 23–68% of people who have globus also have GERD. Symptoms of GERD, such as heartburn, can also lead to globus sensation. Some other medical conditions that may cause globus include:
In very rare cases, hypopharyngeal cancer may be the cause. There are various conditions that are similar to globus. These conditions include: DysphagiaDysphagia is the term used for difficulty swallowing. This can mean a person is completely unable to swallow, or they may have trouble swallowing food or liquid safely. Symptoms of dysphagia include:
Learn more about dysphagia here. OdynophagiaOdynophagia is when a person experiences pain when swallowing. Odynophagia usually occurs as a result of infection or inflammation of the esophagus or the oropharynx, which is part of the throat directly behind the mouth. Learn more about odynophagia here. AchalasiaAchalasia is a rare condition that causes a person to have difficulty swallowing. When a person has achalasia, their esophagus has trouble passing food into their stomach. This means that food can become trapped in the esophagus, causing:
Learn more about esophageal achalasia here. Globus is a common medical symptom, accounting for around 4% of new referrals to ear, nose, and throat clinics. Research from 2017 notes that 12.5% of otherwise healthy people in the United States have reported having globus. Additionally, globus appears to affect females more often than males for those under the age of 50. The authors state that it affects males and females equally over the age of 50. Researchers also state that up to 75% of people who have globus may experience symptoms for years. This could be due to the difficulties experienced in diagnosing globus. If a doctor cannot establish the cause of a person’s globus, it can be hard for them to find a suitable treatment. The feeling that there is a large mass in the throat can be frightening. However, globus is not a serious condition and does not pose any long-term health consequences. A person who is concerned about globus may find it beneficial to talk with a healthcare professional. People should contact a doctor if they experience globus alongside the following symptoms:
As there is no known cause of globus, there are no specific treatments available for it. When another medical condition causes globus, treating that condition may cure it. The NHS suggests that a person perform the following to help ease the sensation and relax the throat muscles:
A person can also try the following steps a few times a day:
People should also:
A healthcare professional may recommend the following treatment options: Proton pump inhibitors (PPI)PPIs help to reduce the amount of stomach acid a person has. A doctor uses PPIs to treat heartburn and acid reflux conditions. However, those with globus may require more aggressive and prolonged treatment with PPIs, which can result in negative side effects. Additionally, the researchers of a 2015 article noted that 55.6% of people with GERD and globus were resistant to treatment with PPIs. A healthcare professional may also prescribe other acid blockers, such as H2 blockers. Speech therapyResearch indicates that speech therapy that includes relaxation techniques effectively treats globus. A study from 2017 found that 72% of people who received speech therapy for globus had complete remission. However, this study had a small sample size and so further research is required. Psychological treatmentsCognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a treatment for psychological conditions that can cause physical symptoms. Antidepressants may also be beneficial. A 2021 study found that treatment with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors can be an effective treatment option for those with mild symptoms. Globus is the sensation of having something stuck in the throat. Although generally not serious, it can cause concern and reduce a person’s quality of life. The exact cause is not known. However, there are certain conditions that are associated with globus. Treatment of these conditions may also alleviate globus if they cause it. There are various conditions that are similar to globus. It differs from these conditions as it does not cause pain or difficulty swallowing. If a person is concerned about globus, they should speak with a doctor. A person who has globus as well as serious symptoms should seek urgent medical attention. Read this article in Spanish. Why does it feel like something is stuck in my throat and chest?If you feel something sticking in your throat, but can eat and drink normally and without pain, you do not need to worry. Many people with globus sensation notice the symptoms most when they are swallowing their saliva, or that it increases with stress and worry. Your symptoms can vary from day to day.
How do you get rid of something stuck in your throat and chest?Here are a few home remedies that you can try to get rid of the feeling of something stuck inside the throat or the chest.. Drink Soda or Fresh Lemonade. Drinking soda or fresh lemonade helps quite often. ... . Drink Water. ... . Try eating a banana. ... . Watchful waiting. ... . Try Heimlich Maneuver.. |