The feeling of something in your throat (globus) is commonly caused by acid reflux, anxiety, muscle tension, or postnasal drip. See a doctor if you have trouble swallowing.
What it is
Globus sensation is a feeling of a lump in the throat without a physical blockage.
Common causes
- Acid reflux (GERD).
- Anxiety or stress.
- Postnasal drip.
- Muscle tension.
- Thyroid issues.
Clue
It is often worse when you swallow saliva, not food.
What helps
Reduce stress and treat reflux.
See a doctor
If you have trouble swallowing food, pain, weight loss or a lump you can feel.
Typical explanation
The feeling of a lump in the throat without actual obstruction is called globus sensation, affecting about 46 percent of people at some point in their lives. It is often tied to muscle tension, acid reflux (laryngopharyngeal reflux), postnasal drip, anxiety or stress. It usually improves with swallowing saliva rather than food, which is a diagnostic clue.
- GERD is found in many people with globus, and a trial of acid suppression is often used.
- Thyroid enlargement, a tight cricopharyngeus muscle and tonsil stones can also contribute.
- Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing food, which is different and more concerning.
What helps and warning signs
Sip water, avoid throat clearing, manage reflux with smaller meals and avoiding late eating, and practice relaxation techniques. See a doctor promptly for difficulty swallowing food, pain, weight loss, a neck lump, hoarseness lasting more than 3 weeks, or coughing blood, as these can signal serious causes such as cancer. A doctor may perform laryngoscopy or endoscopy.
Typical explanation
A feeling of a lump in the throat without a mass is called globus sensation. It affects up to 46 percent of people at some point and is often linked to reflux, stress, muscle tension or postnasal drip.
What helps and warning signs
Sip water, treat reflux and relax. See a doctor if there is pain on swallowing, weight loss, voice change or a neck lump.
Globus facts
Globus sensation, the feeling of a lump without swallowing difficulty, accounts for about 4 percent of new ear nose and throat referrals. It often eases while eating. Associated factors include laryngopharyngeal reflux, muscle tension of the cricopharyngeus, anxiety and thyroid enlargement.
Management steps
Reflux treatment with proton pump inhibitors for a trial of 8 weeks is common, though evidence is mixed. Swallowing therapy, throat relaxation exercises and stress management help. See a doctor for painful swallowing, trouble swallowing food, weight loss, a hoarse voice for over 3 weeks or a neck mass, since those can reflect cancer.
Based on data from the American Academy of Otolaryngology and the Mayo Clinic
