Some people feel as if they have a lump or mass in their throat when no mass is actually there. If this sensation is unrelated to swallowing, it is termed globus feeling, or globus hystericus (which does not imply the individual is hysterical). If people have the sensation however also see trouble swallowing, see Difficulty Swallowing. Some people can in fact feel a lump on the side of their neck.
Why Do I Feel Lump in My Throat?
Physicians are unsure what causes globus sensation. It may include increased muscle tension in muscles of the throat or simply below the throat or it might also be due to gastroesophageal reflux. The sensation often comes when people sensation specific feelings, such as sorrow or pride, but is often independent of such sensations.
Globus feeling is not dangerous and does not cause complications. However, certain more major conditions that impact the esophagus can in some cases be puzzled with globus sensation. Such conditions consist of upper esophageal webs; esophageal convulsion; gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); muscle conditions such as myasthenia gravis, myotonic dystrophy, or polymyositis; and tumors in the neck or upper chest. Such disorders generally impact swallowing and/or cause other symptoms besides the sensation of a lump.
Self Evaluating Measures
People with globus sensation seldom require immediate examination by a doctor. The following information can help people decide whether a doctor’s examination is required and assist them know what to anticipate during the evaluation.
Warning signs
In people with globus sensation, particular symptoms and characteristics suggest another disorder is present and are cause for issue. They consist of
- Muscle weak point.
- Abrupt look after age 50
- Pain, choking, or problem with swallowing (dysphagia).
- Weight loss
- Neck or throat pain
- Spitting up (regurgitation) of food.
- A mass that shows up or that can be felt.
- Progressive worsening of symptoms.
When to see a doctor
People who have indication should see a doctor within a couple of days to a week. People who have no warning signs should call their doctor. Depending on the intensity and nature of the feeling, doctors might recommend people wait to see how symptoms develop or recommend a mutually convenient time.
Medical professionals ask questions about the person’s symptoms and medical history and do a health examination. What medical professionals find during the history and physical exam helps decide what, if any, tests need to be done.
The history is focused on differentiating globus feeling from difficulty swallowing, which recommends a structural or motility (motion) disorder of the throat or esophagus. Physicians ask people to clearly explain their symptoms, especially their relationship to swallowing (such as a feeling of food sticking) and psychological occasions. They also look for other indication.
The physical exam is concentrated on the mouth and neck. Doctors inspect and feel the flooring of the mouth and the neck for masses. Physicians look down the throat with a thin, flexible seeing scope to inspect the back of the throat and the voice box. Physicians also observe the individual swallowing water and a solid food such as crackers.
Indication or abnormal findings found during the examination recommend a mechanical or motility disorder of swallowing. People who have chronic symptoms that occur during episodes of sorrow that may be eased by sobbing suggest globus sensation.
Diagnosis
People who have symptoms that are not related to swallowing, have no warning signs (especially no pain or trouble with swallowing), and a normal evaluation (consisting of swallowing observed by the doctor) most likely have globus feeling. Such people hardly ever need tests.
If the diagnosis is unclear, alerting signs are present, or the doctor can not properly see the throat, swallowing tests (as for difficulty swallowing– see Testing) are done. Typical tests consist of plain or video esophagography, measurement of swallowing time, chest x-ray, and manometry of the esophagus.
Treatment for Lump in Throat
Globus feeling does not require any treatment besides peace of mind and understanding concern. Often, merely comprehending that globus feeling comes with certain state of minds is all the help people need. No drugs are valuable. Nevertheless, if any underlying depression, stress and anxiety, or other behavioral disorder seems to be making symptoms more disturbing to people, doctors might try providing an antidepressant drug or referring people to a psychiatrist.
