Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDysphagiaGERDGlobus PharyngeusThyroid DiseaseNerve DamageInflammationSpinal ProblemsTumorsSelf-CareDiagnosis and Treatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Dysphagia
GERD
Globus Pharyngeus
Thyroid Disease
Nerve Damage
Inflammation
Spinal Problems
Tumors
Self-Care
Diagnosis and Treatment
A feeling of having something stuck in the throat is a fairly common experience. In some cases, there may not be any food or a foreign object stuck in theesophagus(food tube), but it feels as though there is. The sensation is calledglobus.
The feeling can last for a few minutes to several days and sometimes causes pain, but it’s more often described as being an uncomfortable annoyance. It’s important to know if there is actually food or an object in the throat and to understand the possible causes, even if it’s just the feeling that there is.
JGalione / Getty Images
1. Dysphagia
“Dysphagia” is the term for difficulty swallowing. There are a number of causes of dysphagia, such as a previous stroke. When dysphagia is a problem, there is the potential for something, such as food, to be stuck in the throat, which is called a food obstruction.
A food obstruction isn’t blocking the airway, so it’s notchoking. However, food could become dislodged from the esophagus and wind up in the windpipe, which could cause choking. A food bolus (round mass) is painful and a reason to seek medical care to have it removed safely.
When to Call 911Choking is a medical emergency. Signs of choking can include:Being unable to talk or breatheCoughing (with partial choking, absent in complete choking)Fainting/losing consciousnessHolding the throatPanic or confusionSkin, lips, or nails turning blue or grayFirst aid should be given immediately while seeking emergency medical attention.
When to Call 911
Choking is a medical emergency. Signs of choking can include:Being unable to talk or breatheCoughing (with partial choking, absent in complete choking)Fainting/losing consciousnessHolding the throatPanic or confusionSkin, lips, or nails turning blue or grayFirst aid should be given immediately while seeking emergency medical attention.
Choking is a medical emergency. Signs of choking can include:
First aid should be given immediately while seeking emergency medical attention.
2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERDis a common condition in which the stomach contents move back up into the esophagus. This leads to symptoms such as indigestion or heartburn. The stomach acids irritate the esophagus. This can feel like something is caught in the throat when nothing is there.
3. Globus Pharyngeus
Globusis the feeling in the throat and/or the chest that something is stuck, but nothing is there. It tends to be longer lasting and may lead to seeking medical care out of concern something is wrong with the esophagus.
When people seek medical care for this problem, it may be necessary to look inside the throat with anendoscopicprocedure (which uses a flexible tube with a camera inserted through the mouth or nose). This can help ensure that nothing is there because even a tiny object or piece of food could lead to the feeling that something larger is stuck.
COVID-19 and GlobusGlobus has been noted as a symptom during acute COVID-19 infection.It also has been reported as apost-COVIDcomplaint.
COVID-19 and Globus
Globus has been noted as a symptom during acute COVID-19 infection.It also has been reported as apost-COVIDcomplaint.
4. Thyroid Disease
Some people who see a healthcare provider for globus sensations are diagnosed with a thyroid disorder.Thyroid diseaseis found in up to a third of all people who describe the sensation of something stuck in your throat.
The sensation also is reported in people who have had the thyroid removed. More research is needed to better understand the connection between the thyroid and globus symptoms.
5. Nerve Damage
Nerve damage, such as injury to therecurrentlaryngealnerveor the vagus nerve, can lead to symptoms that affect structures in the throat. Globus symptoms may follow.
Some studies suggest that neurological disorders affecting the ability to speak or swallow may be more common with conditions such as diabetes, in which neuropathies are a complication.
6. Inflammation
Inflammation of the upper airways, includingchronic sinusitisand postnasal drip, can lead to globus. Tonsilitis (inflammation of the tonsils) and pharyngitis (affecting the pharynx) also can cause globus.Other conditions that can lead to inflammation and globus symptoms include:
7. Spinal Problems
It’s uncommon, but injuries or degenerative changes in bone structure affecting the neck could lead to globus symptoms. Bone spurs in the cervical spine are one example.
So can surgical procedures, such as head and neck surgery to treat obstructivesleep apnea.
8. Tumors
Both benign cysts and growing cancer tumors can lead to symptoms of globus.This is rare in the context of cancer but should be considered with other symptoms that include:
Globus and StressThe globus sensation can be associated with emotions or mood, including feelings ofanxietyor stress. It’s important to note, however, it is not necessarily linked to a psychological disorder. For example, stress can affect muscle tension in the esophagus that contributes to globus.
Globus and Stress
The globus sensation can be associated with emotions or mood, including feelings ofanxietyor stress. It’s important to note, however, it is not necessarily linked to a psychological disorder. For example, stress can affect muscle tension in the esophagus that contributes to globus.
Lifestyle Changes
In some cases, lifestyle changes may help with symptoms of globus. They include:
One reason for globus could be feeling anxiety or stress. A mental health professional might help determine how to manage this aspect of globus.
Treatment
Healthcare providers will first consider your medical history and complete a physical exam, especially of the neck. They may look into the airway with a small scope.
Other tests needed for diagnosis can include:
If a disease or condition is found, it will be treated as needed. Some interventions include:
There’s no good research on how exactly the vagus nerve, which runs from the brain to the large intestine, may be involved with globus, or how to treat it. However, a combination of flupentixol and melitracen (both psychoactive drugs) has been tried to reduce the sensitivity of the vagus nerve.
When There Is a Stuck ObjectVisualizing the esophagus and airway is key to identifying a foreign object. Imaging and endoscopy may be used. Removal of a foreign object, including food, should be done as soon as possible.There may be a need to diagnose an underlying cause for the episode.
When There Is a Stuck Object
Visualizing the esophagus and airway is key to identifying a foreign object. Imaging and endoscopy may be used. Removal of a foreign object, including food, should be done as soon as possible.There may be a need to diagnose an underlying cause for the episode.
Summary
The feeling of something stuck in one’s throat (globus) can be constant or it can come and go. If there isn’t a disease or a condition causing it, making some lifestyle changes may help in making the feeling go away.
If it persists, it’s a reason to see a healthcare provider and try to determine a cause and create a treatment plan. In the case of choking, call 911 and seek emergency medical attention.
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Tawil J, Fass R.Globus: current concepts and dilemmas.J Clin Gastroenterol. 2018;52:845-852. doi:10.1097/MCG.0000000000001129Canadian Red Cross.What to do if an adult is choking.Podzimek J, Jecker P, Koscielny S, Guntinas-Lichius O.Einsatz der flexiblen transnasalen Ösophagogastroskopie bei Patienten mit unklarem Globus pharyngeus [Use of flexible transnasal esophagogastroscopy in patients with unclear globus sensation].HNO. 2024 Aug;72(8):571-577. German. doi:10.1007/s00106-024-01462-7Chen FJ, Park JH.An approach to globus pharyngeus.Aust J Gen Pract. 2024 Aug;53(8):567-570. doi:10.31128/AJGP-04-23-6819Kim ES, Chin BS, Kang CK, et al.Clinical course and outcomes of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection: a preliminary report of the first 28 patients from the Korean Cohort Study on COVID-19.J Korean Med Sci. 2020;35(13):e142. doi:10.3346/jkms.2020.35.e142Ballering AV, van Zon SKR, Olde Hartman TC, Rosmalen JGM; Lifelines Corona Research Initiative.Persistence of somatic symptoms after COVID-19 in the Netherlands: an observational cohort study.Lancet. 2022;400(10350):452-461. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(22)01214-4Allisan-Arrighi AE, Rapoport SK, Laitman BM, et al.Long-term upper aerodigestive sequelae as a result of infection with COVID-19.Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2022;7(2):476-485. doi:10.1002/lio2.763Chen H, Zhu G, Zhang X.[Advances of the treatments and diagnosis for sensory laryngeal neuropathy].Lin Chuang Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi.2020 Mar;34(3):281-284. doi:10.13201/j.issn.2096-7993.2020.03.024.University of Iowa Head and Neck Protocols.Lump In Throat (Throat Fullness, Globus Syndrome, Globus Sensation, Globus Hystericus, Globus Pharyngeus).Lan QL, Lin XX, Wang Y, et al.The relationship between upper esophageal sphincter pressure and psychological status in patients with globus sensation.Int J Gen Med.2021;14:8805-8810. doi:10.2147/IJGM.S337165Järvenpää P, Arkkila P, Aaltonen LM.Globus pharyngeus: a review of etiology, diagnostics, and treatment.Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2018;275:1945-1953. doi:10.1007/s00405-018-5041-1Harvey PR, Theron BT, Trudgill NJ.Managing a patient with globus pharyngeus.Frontline Gastroenterol. 2018;9:208-212. doi:10.1136/flgastro-2017-100844Birk M, Bauerfeind P, Deprez PH, et al.Removal of foreign bodies in the upper gastrointestinal tract in adults: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Clinical Guideline.Endoscopy. 2016;48:489-496. doi:10.1055/s-0042-100456
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Tawil J, Fass R.Globus: current concepts and dilemmas.J Clin Gastroenterol. 2018;52:845-852. doi:10.1097/MCG.0000000000001129Canadian Red Cross.What to do if an adult is choking.Podzimek J, Jecker P, Koscielny S, Guntinas-Lichius O.Einsatz der flexiblen transnasalen Ösophagogastroskopie bei Patienten mit unklarem Globus pharyngeus [Use of flexible transnasal esophagogastroscopy in patients with unclear globus sensation].HNO. 2024 Aug;72(8):571-577. German. doi:10.1007/s00106-024-01462-7Chen FJ, Park JH.An approach to globus pharyngeus.Aust J Gen Pract. 2024 Aug;53(8):567-570. doi:10.31128/AJGP-04-23-6819Kim ES, Chin BS, Kang CK, et al.Clinical course and outcomes of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection: a preliminary report of the first 28 patients from the Korean Cohort Study on COVID-19.J Korean Med Sci. 2020;35(13):e142. doi:10.3346/jkms.2020.35.e142Ballering AV, van Zon SKR, Olde Hartman TC, Rosmalen JGM; Lifelines Corona Research Initiative.Persistence of somatic symptoms after COVID-19 in the Netherlands: an observational cohort study.Lancet. 2022;400(10350):452-461. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(22)01214-4Allisan-Arrighi AE, Rapoport SK, Laitman BM, et al.Long-term upper aerodigestive sequelae as a result of infection with COVID-19.Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2022;7(2):476-485. doi:10.1002/lio2.763Chen H, Zhu G, Zhang X.[Advances of the treatments and diagnosis for sensory laryngeal neuropathy].Lin Chuang Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi.2020 Mar;34(3):281-284. doi:10.13201/j.issn.2096-7993.2020.03.024.University of Iowa Head and Neck Protocols.Lump In Throat (Throat Fullness, Globus Syndrome, Globus Sensation, Globus Hystericus, Globus Pharyngeus).Lan QL, Lin XX, Wang Y, et al.The relationship between upper esophageal sphincter pressure and psychological status in patients with globus sensation.Int J Gen Med.2021;14:8805-8810. doi:10.2147/IJGM.S337165Järvenpää P, Arkkila P, Aaltonen LM.Globus pharyngeus: a review of etiology, diagnostics, and treatment.Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2018;275:1945-1953. doi:10.1007/s00405-018-5041-1Harvey PR, Theron BT, Trudgill NJ.Managing a patient with globus pharyngeus.Frontline Gastroenterol. 2018;9:208-212. doi:10.1136/flgastro-2017-100844Birk M, Bauerfeind P, Deprez PH, et al.Removal of foreign bodies in the upper gastrointestinal tract in adults: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Clinical Guideline.Endoscopy. 2016;48:489-496. doi:10.1055/s-0042-100456
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Tawil J, Fass R.Globus: current concepts and dilemmas.J Clin Gastroenterol. 2018;52:845-852. doi:10.1097/MCG.0000000000001129Canadian Red Cross.What to do if an adult is choking.Podzimek J, Jecker P, Koscielny S, Guntinas-Lichius O.Einsatz der flexiblen transnasalen Ösophagogastroskopie bei Patienten mit unklarem Globus pharyngeus [Use of flexible transnasal esophagogastroscopy in patients with unclear globus sensation].HNO. 2024 Aug;72(8):571-577. German. doi:10.1007/s00106-024-01462-7Chen FJ, Park JH.An approach to globus pharyngeus.Aust J Gen Pract. 2024 Aug;53(8):567-570. doi:10.31128/AJGP-04-23-6819Kim ES, Chin BS, Kang CK, et al.Clinical course and outcomes of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection: a preliminary report of the first 28 patients from the Korean Cohort Study on COVID-19.J Korean Med Sci. 2020;35(13):e142. doi:10.3346/jkms.2020.35.e142Ballering AV, van Zon SKR, Olde Hartman TC, Rosmalen JGM; Lifelines Corona Research Initiative.Persistence of somatic symptoms after COVID-19 in the Netherlands: an observational cohort study.Lancet. 2022;400(10350):452-461. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(22)01214-4Allisan-Arrighi AE, Rapoport SK, Laitman BM, et al.Long-term upper aerodigestive sequelae as a result of infection with COVID-19.Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2022;7(2):476-485. doi:10.1002/lio2.763Chen H, Zhu G, Zhang X.[Advances of the treatments and diagnosis for sensory laryngeal neuropathy].Lin Chuang Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi.2020 Mar;34(3):281-284. doi:10.13201/j.issn.2096-7993.2020.03.024.University of Iowa Head and Neck Protocols.Lump In Throat (Throat Fullness, Globus Syndrome, Globus Sensation, Globus Hystericus, Globus Pharyngeus).Lan QL, Lin XX, Wang Y, et al.The relationship between upper esophageal sphincter pressure and psychological status in patients with globus sensation.Int J Gen Med.2021;14:8805-8810. doi:10.2147/IJGM.S337165Järvenpää P, Arkkila P, Aaltonen LM.Globus pharyngeus: a review of etiology, diagnostics, and treatment.Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2018;275:1945-1953. doi:10.1007/s00405-018-5041-1Harvey PR, Theron BT, Trudgill NJ.Managing a patient with globus pharyngeus.Frontline Gastroenterol. 2018;9:208-212. doi:10.1136/flgastro-2017-100844Birk M, Bauerfeind P, Deprez PH, et al.Removal of foreign bodies in the upper gastrointestinal tract in adults: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Clinical Guideline.Endoscopy. 2016;48:489-496. doi:10.1055/s-0042-100456
Tawil J, Fass R.Globus: current concepts and dilemmas.J Clin Gastroenterol. 2018;52:845-852. doi:10.1097/MCG.0000000000001129
Canadian Red Cross.What to do if an adult is choking.
Podzimek J, Jecker P, Koscielny S, Guntinas-Lichius O.Einsatz der flexiblen transnasalen Ösophagogastroskopie bei Patienten mit unklarem Globus pharyngeus [Use of flexible transnasal esophagogastroscopy in patients with unclear globus sensation].HNO. 2024 Aug;72(8):571-577. German. doi:10.1007/s00106-024-01462-7
Chen FJ, Park JH.An approach to globus pharyngeus.Aust J Gen Pract. 2024 Aug;53(8):567-570. doi:10.31128/AJGP-04-23-6819
Kim ES, Chin BS, Kang CK, et al.Clinical course and outcomes of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection: a preliminary report of the first 28 patients from the Korean Cohort Study on COVID-19.J Korean Med Sci. 2020;35(13):e142. doi:10.3346/jkms.2020.35.e142
Ballering AV, van Zon SKR, Olde Hartman TC, Rosmalen JGM; Lifelines Corona Research Initiative.Persistence of somatic symptoms after COVID-19 in the Netherlands: an observational cohort study.Lancet. 2022;400(10350):452-461. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(22)01214-4
Allisan-Arrighi AE, Rapoport SK, Laitman BM, et al.Long-term upper aerodigestive sequelae as a result of infection with COVID-19.Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2022;7(2):476-485. doi:10.1002/lio2.763
Chen H, Zhu G, Zhang X.[Advances of the treatments and diagnosis for sensory laryngeal neuropathy].Lin Chuang Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi.2020 Mar;34(3):281-284. doi:10.13201/j.issn.2096-7993.2020.03.024.
University of Iowa Head and Neck Protocols.Lump In Throat (Throat Fullness, Globus Syndrome, Globus Sensation, Globus Hystericus, Globus Pharyngeus).
Lan QL, Lin XX, Wang Y, et al.The relationship between upper esophageal sphincter pressure and psychological status in patients with globus sensation.Int J Gen Med.2021;14:8805-8810. doi:10.2147/IJGM.S337165
Järvenpää P, Arkkila P, Aaltonen LM.Globus pharyngeus: a review of etiology, diagnostics, and treatment.Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2018;275:1945-1953. doi:10.1007/s00405-018-5041-1
Harvey PR, Theron BT, Trudgill NJ.Managing a patient with globus pharyngeus.Frontline Gastroenterol. 2018;9:208-212. doi:10.1136/flgastro-2017-100844
Birk M, Bauerfeind P, Deprez PH, et al.Removal of foreign bodies in the upper gastrointestinal tract in adults: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Clinical Guideline.Endoscopy. 2016;48:489-496. doi:10.1055/s-0042-100456
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