Lump in the throat

Have you ever suffered from an unusual feeling or sensation of lump in your throat that might have subsided on its own? Let’s find out in this blog what that unusual feeling is!

The sensation of lump in the throat is a common problem people complain about. This feeling is often described as irritating but is not associated with any pain or physical discomfort. Sometimes people also experience a feeling of a lump or swelling without the presence of any lump or swelling in the throat. This condition is known as “Globus Sensation”.

What causes the lump sensation?

The exact cause for this condition is still not clear and remains questionable. However studies have associated this condition with many factors outlined below:

Aberrant Muscle coordination

Any abnormality or in coordination in the functioning of the throat muscles may induce a feeling of muscle tightness in the throat.

Gastric Reflex

Stomach acid entering your oesophagus is also capable of giving rise to muscle tension or swelling in the tissue surrounding the throat. This eventually may feel like a lump or tissue in the throat.

Stress and Anxiety

Many studies based largely on women, have also suggested that a persistent feeling of stress, depression or anxiety may trigger globus sensation. Studies have also confirmed that globus sensation in men is associated with psychopathology like depression and somatic disorders.

Mucosal Lesion and underlying pathological mass

A mucosal lesion which often occurs as a result of trauma or an ulcer can also induce the lump sensation in an individual. A mucosal lesion is a result of trauma or an ulcer. Certain kind of mass like tumor, cysts, granuloma, or enlarged thyroid may predispose to this feeling.

So, is this lump serious?

This lump is a benign condition and do not involve any severe complication. However, some other conditions may present initially as globus sensation so it is important to seek medical care when globus sensation is associated with other symptoms like pain, dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing), lump mass, fever, or weight loss to rule out any other clinical condition.

What are the symptoms of the globus sensation?

The usual symptom is the sensation of a lump in the throat which can come and go. It is usually felt in the front of the neck and can move around, usually up or down. It does not affect eating or drinking and, in fact, in some people, symptoms can be relieved by eating or drinking. There is not usually any pain present in the throat. Many people with globus sensation notice the symptoms most when they are swallowing their saliva.

How is the lump in the throat detected or diagnosed?

An ENT specialist should be consulted in case you have a persistent feeling. A diagnosis for exclusion of any underlying condition is must. A special equipment known as nasolaryngoscopy is placed through the nose to carefully examine the mouth, nose and throat. Sometimes, if the diagnosis of globus sensation is not clear, various other investigations like chest x-ray, oesophageal manometry, videofluoroscopy or barium swallow test may be employed to rule out other pathology.

How is globus sensation treated?

As such there is no definite treatment for globus sensation due to the idiopathic nature of the disease.Some of the recommended treatments include:

Muscle Therapy

Depending upon the cause, an ENT specialist or speech therapist may be required for appropriate physiotherapy to improve the muscle movement.

Treatment for gastric reflux

Patients with the gastric refluxes are likely to have a treatment with antacids and acid regulators to eliminate the acid regurgitation in the throat.

Treatment for reducing stress and anxiety

In people suffering from stress and anxiety: psychological counselling or medical management with antidepressants is undertaken.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is associated with many health hazards, quitting this habit is also one of the preventive approach for the globus sensation.