What is Globus Pharyngeus
Globus pharyngeus is a condition that makes it feel like you have a lump in your throat. It may also feel like you have something stuck in the front of your throat. This feeling may come and go. It is not painful, and it does not make it harder to swallow food or liquid.
Globus pharyngeus does not cause changes that a health care provider can see during a physical exam. This condition usually goes away without treatment.
What are the causes?
Often, no cause can be found. The most common cause of globus pharyngeus is a condition that causes stomach juices to flow back up into the throat (gastroesophageal reflux). Other possible causes include:
- Overstimulation of nerves that control swallowing.
- Irritation of nerves that control swallowing (neuralgia).
- An enlarged gland in the lower neck (thyroid gland).
- Growth of tonsil tissue at the base of the tongue (lingual tonsil).
- Anxiety.
- Depression.
What are the signs or symptoms?
The main symptom of this condition is a feeling of a lump in your throat. This feeling usually comes and goes.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition may be diagnosed after other conditions have been ruled out. You may have tests, such as:
- A swallow study.
- Ear, nose, and throat evaluation.
- An exam of your throat using a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera on the end (endoscopy).
How is this treated?
This condition may go away on its own, without treatment. In some cases, antidepressant medicines may be helpful.
Follow these instructions at home:
- Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.
- Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Follow instructions from your health care provider about home care for gastroesophageal reflux. Your health care provider may recommend that you:
- Do noteat or drink anything that causes heartburn.
- Do noteat heavy meals close to bedtime.
- Do notdrink caffeine.
- Do notdrink alcohol.
- Raise the head of your bed.
- Sleep on your left side.
Contact a health care provider if:
- Your symptoms get worse.
- You have throat pain.
- You have trouble swallowing.
- Food or liquid comes back up into your mouth.
- You lose weight without trying.
Get help right away if:
- You develop swelling in your throat.
Summary
- Globus pharyngeus is a condition that makes it feel like you have a lump in your throat.
- This condition usually goes away without treatment.
