Globus sensation

Feeling of a lump in the throat.

What is globus sensation

Globus is a feeling of a lump or tightness in the throat without food or drink actually sticking. It is common and usually harmless once the symptoms have been assessed.

People often describe it as:

• A lump or tightness in the throat.
• A sensation that doesn’t go away.
• The need to clear the throat repeatedly.
• Not painful and does not affect eating or drinking.

What causes it

Globus sensation may be linked to:

• Throat muscle tension.
• Stress or anxiety.
• Postnasal drip (mucus at the back of the throat).
• Acid reflux.
• Habitual throat clearing.

Sometimes, no clear cause is found.

Is it serious

Typical globus, with normal swallowing and no warning signs, is usually benign. A new throat symptom should not be assumed to be globus without an appropriate assessment.

It does not:

• Interfere with swallowing food or drink.
• Cause weight loss or severe pain.

See your doctor if you have:

• Painful swallowing.
• Difficulty swallowing food or drink.
• Weight loss.
• A hoarse voice or persistent cough.
• Coughing up blood.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will:

• Ask about your symptoms.
• Examine your throat and neck.
• Check for signs of reflux or muscle tension.

An ENT specialist may examine your throat with a flexible camera. Further investigations depend on the symptoms and findings; not everyone needs scans or a swallowing test.

Treatment options

• Reassurance – understanding the condition helps ease anxiety.
• Relaxation techniques – reduce muscle tension in the throat.
• Voice or speech therapy – especially if tension is a main factor.
• Treat reflux if your symptoms and assessment suggest it. Acid-suppressing medicine is not routinely helpful for isolated globus without reflux symptoms.
• Avoid throat clearing – sip water instead.

Self-help tips

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Avoid excessive throat clearing.
• Try gentle neck and shoulder stretches.
• If reflux affects you, avoid the foods or drinks that reliably trigger your symptoms rather than excluding foods unnecessarily.
• Manage stress – mindfulness or deep breathing may help.

What to expect

• The sensation usually improves with time.
• It may come and go, especially during stressful periods.
• Assessed, typical globus does not damage the throat. Report any change in symptoms.

When to see a doctor again

Arrange a review if symptoms persist, change or worry you. Seek prompt assessment for difficulty or pain swallowing, a neck lump, persistent hoarseness, unexplained weight loss or coughing up blood.

Get urgent help if you cannot swallow saliva or fluids. Call 999 for severe breathing difficulty.