Globus Sensation

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Globus sensation is the term used when a person has the feeling of a lump in their throat even though there is no lump present when the throat is examined. The sensation can come and go. It does not interfere with eating and drinking. The exact cause of globus sensation is uncertain. Examination and investigations may be carried out to exclude any other underlying problem. Reassurance that there is no serious underlying problem may be all that is needed in terms of treatment.

Globus sensation is the term used when a person has the feeling of a lump in the back of their throat when actually there is no lump present when the throat is examined. Globus sensation is sometimes called globus pharyngeus (pharyngeus refers to the throat in medical terms). It used to be called globus hystericus as it was previously thought that globus sensation was due to a psychiatric condition.


Globus sensation is thought to be quite common but there are not enough reliable, up-to-date studies to give specific numbers of people affected. About one in twenty people referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist clinic have globus sensation. It affects women and men equally. It is most common in people of middle age but globus sensation can affect anyone of any age.


It is thought that reflux of acid from the stomach into the gullet (oesophagus) may also contribute to the cause of globus sensation in some cases. The theory is that the stomach acid affects the relaxation of the muscles around the throat.

In many people, stress can trigger globus sensation or make the symptoms worse; so can being very tired. Having an excess of mucus running from the nose down into the back of the throat (known as postnasal drip) may also make the symptoms of globus sensation worse.

upper gut

Many people with globus sensation are worried that it could be a sign of another problem, particularly a cancer. Globus sensation needs to be distinguished from a difficulty with swallowing (dysphagia).

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.


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.

If your doctor suspects globus sensation, you will usually 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. Globus sensation is a "diagnosis of exclusion". This means there is no specific test which confirms it. Instead the diagnosis is made after having tests to be sure you do not have a more serious condition.


  • Chest X-ray.
  • Gastroscopy - this is a test to look inside the gullet (oesophagus), the stomach and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). This is done with a thin, flexible telescope (an endoscope) that is passed through the mouth. See separate leaflet called Gastroscopy (Endoscopy) for further details.
  • Barium swallow - this is a test that helps to visualise and look for problems in the gullet. The gut (gastrointestinal tract) does not show up very well on ordinary X-ray pictures. However, if you drink a white liquid that contains a chemical called barium sulfate, the outline of the upper parts of the gut (gullet, stomach and small intestines) shows up clearly on X-ray pictures. This is because X-rays do not pass through barium. See separate leaflet called Barium Swallow/Meal/Follow Through for further details.
  • Oesophageal manometry - this is a test where a pressure-sensitive tube is passed via your nose and mouth into your gullet. This is to measure the pressure of the muscle contractions in the gullet.
  • Videofluoroscopy - this is a bit like a barium swallow. Different drinks and foods are mixed with barium and you are asked to do various things like swallow, move your head, etc, after drinking or eating the mixture. X-ray pictures are taken and your swallowing can be examined.
  • pH monitoring - during this test, a thin tube is passed through your nose and mouth and into your gullet. A monitor that is attached to the tube can measure the acid level (pH) in your gullet.


For others, various treatments may be suggested. For example:

Original Author:
Dr Michelle Wright
Current Version:
Peer Reviewer:
Dr Helen Huins
Document ID:
13887 (v2)
Last Checked:
Next Review:
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