Globus phenomenon where is it

Freshen up your inbox with exclusive offers, pro tips, and other smile-worthy treats from Colgate. Have you ever felt like you had a lump in your throat? This condition is known as globus sensation, or globus pharyngeus, and it's more common than you might think.

Here's what to know about this condition, including if it requires medical treatment. The exact cause of globus sensation is unknown. However, as the BJGP article outlines, there are many suspected causes, including:. Women under the age of 50 experience globus sensation three times more frequently than men in the same age group, as a case report in Frontline Gastroenterology explains. However, for people above age 50, there is equal distribution among men and women.

The sensation may go away with eating. It's important for those experiencing these symptoms to seek evaluation from a physician to rule out more serious problems, such as abnormal growths or cancers. Some of the more concerning symptoms to watch out for include difficulty in swallowing, pain upon swallowing, pain in the throat, weight loss and hoarseness. Traditionally, patients over the age of 40 who have a history of smoking and alcohol consumption are at a greater risk of developing abnormal growths, as the Frontline Gastroenterology report explains.

Make sure that you see a qualified professional for evaluation if you experience any of these symptoms. Journal of digestive diseases, 17 5 , Thompson, W. Heartburn and globus in apparently healthy people. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 1 , Timon, C. Globus pharyngeus: long-term follow-up and prognostic factors. Tokashiki, R. Globus sensation and increased upper esophageal sphincter pressure with distal esophageal acid perfusion.

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 5 , Wareing, M. Management of globus sensation by the speech therapist. Logopedics Phoniatrics Vocology, 22 1 , Webb, C. Weijenborg, P. Effects of antidepressants in patients with functional esophageal disorders or gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review.

Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 13 2 , You, L. Effect of low-dose amitriptyline on globus pharyngeus and its side effects. Skip to main content. Globus syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion that requires the absence of structural, histopathological mucosal , or esophageal motility abnormalities. This functional disorder not associated with dysphagia, odynophagia or reflux, though the globus sensation itself may co-occur with these symptoms.

Symptoms may improve with eating or swallowing Aziz et al. The term "globus" is Latin for "ball" Harrar et al John Purcell coins the term "globus hystericus" as he attributed globus to "hysteric fits".

He described globus as a result of increased pressure on the thyroid cartilage due to contraction of neck strap muscles. Malcomson coins the more accurate term "globus pharyngeus" as he showed most patients with globus did not have a hysterical personality nor mostly female.

He is also responsible for elucidating gastroesophageal reflux as a possible etiology for globus. Cashman et al.

Sex: Women may be affected more often reported in some studies in a ratio compared to males , however some studies find no difference in incidence between sexes Selleslagh et al. Region May be more likely in urban populations due to increased environmental stressors Tang et al Suspicion for organic cause of globus sensation should be higher if not found in common anatomical region, such as unilaterality Timon et al.

Stress, respiration and distal esophageal acid exposure may all contribute to elevated UES pressure. Results of UES resting pressure in globus studies remain inconclusive due the small sample sizes and varying measurement techniques. Psychological abnormalities Selleslagh et al.

Conversely, chronic globus sensation may cause increased anxiety, depression and stress. Associations of globus with affective symptoms have largely been determined by numerous cross-sectional studies using validated scales. This reduction was the strongest predictor for globus symptom improvement Oishi et al. Prior to more recent studies, including Deary et al. Odynophagia is when it is painful to swallow.

This pain may occur in the throat, mouth, or food pipe and has a variety of potential causes. Globus sensation: Causes of a lump in the throat. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. What is globus sensation? Who gets globus sensation? Causes of a lump in the throat. Share on Pinterest Stress and anxiety may cause globus sensation. Share on Pinterest Globus sensation usually cannot be treated directly, so treatment involves addressing the underlying cause. When to see a doctor.

Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. What causes difficulty swallowing dysphagia? What are thyroid nodules? Medically reviewed by J. Keith Fisher, M. What to do about tightness in the throat. How do you cure a dry throat? When we eat, food passes from our mouth, down the gullet oesophagus , into the stomach and then into the small and then large intestine. For people with dysphagia, there is a delay in the passage of fluids or solids from the mouth, down the gullet and to the stomach.

Someone with dysphagia will notice that their foods, particularly solid foods, feel like they are getting stuck as they swallow.

There are a number of problems that can lead to the symptom of dysphagia. The problem can stem from something going wrong at any point in the swallowing process, from the mouth to lower down in the gullet. See the separate leaflet called Difficulty Swallowing Dysphagia for the many conditions which can be possible causes. Sometimes it can be very difficult to tell the difference between globus sensation and dysphagia. As mentioned above, one clue could be that unlike someone with dysphagia, someone with globus sensation does not usually have any problems eating or drinking.

Also, dysphagia can be constant and may become gradually worse over time, whereas globus sensation symptoms tend to come and go. There is no specific test which confirms globus pharyngeus. Instead the diagnosis is made on the basis of history and examination by your doctor, and sometimes after having tests to be sure you do not have a more serious condition.

If your doctor suspects globus sensation, you may be referred to an ENT specialist for an examination. This is to ensure that there is no other underlying condition that could explain your symptoms. The specialist will usually examine your mouth, nose and throat in the outpatient clinic, using a flexible telescope passed via your nose.

This is called nasolaryngoscopy. Sometimes, if the diagnosis of globus sensation is not clear, various other investigations may also be suggested.

These could be any of those discussed in the leaflet about difficulty swallowing dysphagia. This is because sometimes it is necessary to exclude some of the other causes of problems with swallowing.

In many cases, however, further investigations are not required. For many people with globus sensation, having their symptoms explained may be all that is needed. Just knowing that they do not have a serious underlying problem like cancer can be very reassuring.