Throat discomfort - Globus

The annoying lump in the throat sensation is a common complaint. If you can actually see or feel a mass in the neck then a doctor will investigate this further. Globus occurs when this feeling exists despite no observed obstruction or lump. Most people complain of a lump, constriction or tightness in the throat. It can sometimes interfere with swallowing; compelling a person to repeat swallowing to make sure food goes down, but this is rarely more than just a feeling.

CAUSES

There is no agreed upon theory for a singular cause of globus. Most doctors however believe that a common cause of globus sensation is tension in the upper oesophageal sphincter, which is a circle of muscle (the cricopharyngeus muscle) that surrounds the bottom of the throat and serves to stop stomach contents refluxing back up into the throat. This muscle also has to relax to let food and fluid pass during normal swallowing.

THERAPY

Speech pathologists frequently treat this condition successfully by relieving throat tension, addressing potential life stressors and providing behavioural reflux precautions where necessary. Sometimes the simple act of education on globus gives reassurance and a reduction in stress to reduce symptoms. It can be a multifactorial problem requiring a variety of different treatment strategies from both your doctor and your speech pathologist. Anti-reflux medication is frequently prescribed.