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Globus Hystericus or simply Globus, is the sensation of a lump in your throat. The word "Globus" is Latin for "globe" and it is used in medicine in different contexts. Normally, we connect a lump in the throat with an emotional context, but this lump here is not of the emotional kind.
Globus or Globus Sensation is a feeling that you have a lump in your throat. It is not serious and different people seem to experience it differently because descriptions of the sensation vary widely. People often describe it as:
Tightness or pressure in the throat
A build-up of mucus they can't swallow or a build-up in the nose, throat, or sinuses
Something stuck in the throat
Itching of the throat
Globus can also present as:
A persistent clearing of the throat
A hoarse voice
A chronic cough
The exact cause of Globus is uncertain and it can differ for different individuals. However, the condition is often associated with stress and anxiety, particularly when people arenot able to express strong emotions.
Stressful life events seem to precede the onset of symptoms. Up to 96% of patients with globus report their symptoms intensify during periodsof high emotional intensity.
Another possible cause may be acid reflux – a condition where stomach acid splashes back into the esophagus and causes irritation in the throat. Numerous studies have found that 23–68% of people with globus sensationalso have acid reflux. However, similar rates have also been reported in people without symptoms. So, it appears to be the cause in some people but not all cases.
Allergies and infections can also cause the throat muscles to tense, leading to the sensation that there is some obstruction in the throat.
Other possible causes of the condition include:
Postnasal drip happens when mucus from the nose or sinuses drains into your throat, triggering a Globus sensation.
Smoking and vaping can irritate the nasal lining which can cause mucus build-up and so, a Globus sensation.
Vocal strain is common among people with professions requiring frequent or intense voice use such as event hosts, call center agents, customer service reps, and tour guides.
Inflammation or throat swelling caused by throat infections like tonsillitis or pharyngitis can also trigger a Globus sensation.
Thyroid disease may result in the size changes of certainthyroid nodules which may result in globus symptoms.
Cervical spine conditions likecervical misalignment can also cause a Globus sensation. Such cases require manual physical therapy.
Cricopharyngeal spasm, which is a type of muscle spasm that happens in the throat
Hiatal hernia when a part of the stomach moves up into the chest, can also trigger a Globus sensation.
Chronic sinusitis or chronic inflammation of the sinuses, is also linked to Globus sensation.
No, a Globus sensation is not a sign of something serious going on. However, the Globus sensation can be a sign of another underlying condition.
So, if you have any of thefollowing symptoms aside from Globus, then you should immediately contact your healthcare provider.
Neck pain
Sore throat
Regurgitation (spitting up food without feeling nauseous).
Feeling a lump in your neck.
Warm drinks like herbal teas can soothe the throat. Add a spoonful or two of honey, if you wish – honey has infection-fighting properties. Sip the tea throughout the day.
Prepare a pot of chicken soup, or vegetable one if you are vegetarian. Warm soup is soothing and nourishing.
A smoothie of fruits, veggies, yogurt, and ice will soothe a sore throat, and you'll benefit from its nutrients. For optimum benefits, choose fruits high in antioxidants, such as berries.
Consume lots of leafy greens and deep-colored vegetables and fruit to boost your immune system. You can also consider taking a high-qualityplant-based supplement that offers all the nutrients you need for a healthy immune system.
Drink at least 1.5 liters of water every day. Don't drink a lot of water at one time as it can make you nauseous. Take small sips, and remember swallowing is relaxing for the throat.
The foods and drinks best avoided when you have globus sensation are not many. You should soon feel better if you:
Reduce your intake of fatty and spicy food as they can irritate your throat.
Avoid acidic foods like citrus, tomatoes, wine, and dairy products – they may aggravate a sore throat and acid reflux.
Avoid crunchy foods like potato chips and crackers as they may cause you to experience a tickling sensation in your throat when you swallow.
Moderate your intake of alcohol, tea, coffee, and fizzy drinks.
Consider the following daily habits to deal with or avoid Globus sensations.
Don't lie down soon after a meal. Don't go to bed before at least three hours have passed since your last meal.
Obtain acid reflux medication. If you have globus sensation caused by acid reflux, ask your pharmacist for anti-reflux medicine to help relieve the symptoms.
Try to stop smoking. Smoking is an irritant to the throat which can lead to the Globus sensation. If you stop smoking, you take this source of irritation away and boost your health.
Manage your stress. If your symptoms are related to stress in your life, you need to find a way to handle your stress as stress can cause more than just a lump in your throat. High stress levels undermine our health in countless ways.
Find an activity to relax that works for you and make time to do it.
Consider homeopathy.Homeopathic treatments and medicines that help with globus sensation include Asafoetida, Hepar Sulph, Lachesis, and Belladonna. The specific treatment suggested will depend on the nature of your symptoms and their potential causes.
Homeopathy aims to stimulate the body's own healing mechanisms and research has found iteffective for the treatment of numerous illnesses and conditions.
Ask your doctor about proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). If your Globus sensation is caused by acid reflux, PPIs may help reduce stomach acid production and relieve symptoms.
Globus sensation is not a serious condition but you should seek medical advice if the condition keeps getting worse or has come on suddenly. Also, if you're over 50 and have a history of smoking and frequent alcohol use, contact your doctor when you start experiencing a Globus sensation.
You should rush to a physician if the Globus sensation is accompanied by any other symptoms e.g. pain in the throat or neck, weight loss, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, pain or choking when swallowing, or a lump that you can feel or see.
Globus sensation is not a rare condition nor is it a serious one. The exact cause of the condition is unknown, so there is no specific medicine to treat it. Fortunately, it often goes away on its own. The condition is mostly associated with suppressed feelings, especially grief, or with acid reflux.
It’s normal to get a lump in your throat occasionally, but if you often feel like something’s stuck in your throat, then consult your doctor to establish the underlying cause and get treatment for it.