Have you ever experienced the persistent feeling of something stuck in your throat, even when nothing is actually there? This sensation, known as globus pharyngeus or globus sensation, is a common and often frustrating condition that affects many people. While generally not serious, it can cause significant discomfort and concern.
What causes the feeling of something stuck in your throat?
Having a persistent feeling that something is in your throat or chest without a known cause is frustrating and unnerving. Even worse, coughing to clear your throat can further irritate the lining of the throat and cause more discomfort.
Some conditions that can result in the feeling of something stuck in your throat include:
Cysts or tumors: Mucus glands can become blocked and create a cyst in the throat. These cysts can become bothersome. Tumors or cancers can also grow in the throat and cause a sensation of a blockage.
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR): Often called “silent reflux” or “atypical symptoms of GERD” (gastroesophageal reflux disease), LPR occurs when stomach contents reach the throat and causes inflammation, making it difficult to swallow and leading to a sensation of something stuck in the throat.
Muscle tension dysphonia: This condition involves excessive tension in the muscles around the voice box, which can create the feeling of a lump in the throat.
Postnasal drip: Mucus from the sinuses accumulates in the back of the throat, causing irritation and the sensation of something being stuck there.
In some cases, anxiety or stress triggers globus sensation or makes the symptoms worse. An enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) can also create pressure on the throat, leading to the sensation of having a lump in your throat.
An ENT doctor spends 4 years at college, 4 years at medical school, and then 5 to 7 years after that in a residency program specializing in otolaryngology — head and neck surgery. Our board-certified ENTs pass written and oral exams and participate in continuous education to maintain their certification. When you visit one of our Arizona locations, you can trust you're seeing one of the most qualified specialists in the region and that your care will be second to none.
When To See a Physician
Globus sensation usually disappears on its own, but you should seek medical advice if the condition persists or any of the following symptoms accompany it:
- Pain in the throat or neck
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Choking when swallowing
- Muscle weakness in the throat or elsewhere in the body
- A mass that can be seen or felt in or around the neck or throat
Diagnosing Globus Sensation
If the sensation of having something stuck in your throat persists, an ENT specialist can usually determine what’s causing the feeling by examining your mouth, nose, and throat. This often includes a laryngoscopy, which involves examining the voice box with a small camera. An imaging test called a barium swallow study can identify any structural abnormalities further down into your esophagus.
Treating Globus Sensation
Treatment for globus sensation depends on the underlying cause. Some of the common treatment approaches include:
Lifestyle modifications: If your globus sensation is related to LPR, you should avoid foods that trigger the condition, consume smaller portions, and not lie down immediately after eating. You may also need to lose weight.
Medications: Antacid and acid-suppressing medications can help relieve LPR symptoms. Antihistamines or decongestants can help with postnasal drip.
Stress management: For anxiety-related globus, stress reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or cognitive behavioral therapy may be beneficial.
Speech therapy: Techniques that help relax the throat muscles can help if muscle tension is causing the sensation.
Being prepared will help you get the most out of your appointment. Please bring a list of medications you're currently taking and any pertinent test results—such as labs or imaging—to your appointment. Additionally, let your provider know of any drug allergies or medical conditions you have or for which you are being treated and if you've had any prior surgical procedures.
Visit Our ENT Specialists
Even though globus sensation can be distressing, it’s important to remember that it’s usually not a sign of a serious condition. However, if you experience persistent symptoms or additional concerns such as difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or voice changes, consult an ENT specialist at Valley ENT to explore the best management options for your specific situation.