HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini
Lump in the throat (globus sensation)
Repe ki te korokoro
Globus sensation is a feeling that you have a lump in the throat, even though there is no lump there. It is also called globus pharyngeus.
Globus sensation is different from dysphagia (swallowing difficulties). If you have difficulty swallowing, you need to see your general practice team straight away.
Globus sensation does not affect eating and drinking and often comes and goes. Although it is quite common, we do not know what causes it.
Your general practice team can usually diagnose globus from your symptoms and an examination of your throat. If they are concerned, they may refer you to an otolaryngologist. Otolaryngologists were previously called ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists.
The otolaryngologist will look down your throat with a flexible telescope that is passed down your nose.
You will not usually need any treatment. If you have a condition that could be making the globus worse, your general practice team may give some medication. This could include tablets for stomach acid reflux or a nasal spray for post-nasal drip.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Patient.info – Globus sensation
This page gives more information about what globus sensation is, what tests you might need and how globus sensation is treated.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed October 2023.
Sources
Review key: HILIT-150951
