Globus pharyngis

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Globus pharyngis
Synonyms	Globus sensation, globus hystericus, globus
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Sensation of a lump in the throat
Complications	Anxiety, dysphagia
Onset	Can be sudden or gradual
Duration	Can be persistent or intermittent
Types	N/A
Causes	Gastroesophageal reflux disease, psychological factors, muscle tension
Risks	Stress, anxiety, gastroesophageal reflux disease
Diagnosis	Clinical diagnosis, endoscopy, barium swallow
Differential diagnosis	Esophageal stricture, esophageal cancer, thyroid disease
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Reassurance, proton pump inhibitors, cognitive behavioral therapy
Medication	Proton pump inhibitors, antidepressants
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Globus pharyngis is a medical condition characterized by a sensation of a lump in the throat. It is also commonly referred to as Globus sensation, Globus hystericus (when it is related to stress), or simply Globus.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of Globus pharyngis is the feeling of a lump or a foreign body in the throat. This sensation is often not associated with difficulty swallowing or pain. The sensation can come and go, but it is usually most noticeable when the person is not eating or drinking.

Causes

The exact cause of Globus pharyngis is unknown. However, it is believed to be related to a variety of factors, including:

• Stress and anxiety
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Thyroid disorders
• Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)
• Muscle tension dysphonia
• Esophageal dysmotility

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Globus pharyngis is typically based on the patient's symptoms and a physical examination. Additional tests may be performed to rule out other conditions, such as:

• Barium swallow
• Laryngoscopy
• Esophageal manometry
• pH monitoring

Treatment

Treatment for Globus pharyngis depends on the underlying cause. Options may include:

• Speech therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Medications for GERD or LPR
• Relaxation techniques

See also

• Dysphagia
• Oropharyngeal dysphagia
• Esophageal dysphagia