Globus sensation: The real reason you feel a lump in your throat
Medically reviewed by Dr. Betsy Koickel, MD on January 6th 2026.
Ever feel like there is something lodged in your throat, even though you know there isn’t? Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can also be a little scary. However, it’s relatively common, and it’s probably a case of globus sensation or globus pharyngeus.
What is a globus sensation?
Also called globus pharyngeus, globus sensation is the feeling of being unable to remove a lump or tightness from your throat, or the sensation that there’s a pill stuck there without an actual obstruction. Unlike some other throat issues, there is no physical object in the throat that is causing this feeling. Although globus sensation in the throat isn’t painful, it can be annoying and disconcerting.
The severity of the symptoms and duration of the sensation can vary depending on the person.
Common causes of globus sensation
Once upon a time, this condition was called globus hystericus because doctors as far back as Hippocrates thought that people who experienced it were “hysterical” in that the condition can stem from both physical and psychological factors. But regardless of the underlying cause, the symptoms are very real.
The most common causes include anxiety and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid irritates the throat and creates throat tightness or a lump. This irritation can cause muscle spasms in the throat, worsening the sensation.
A few causes of globus sensation in the throat include:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Acid reflux can irritate the lining of the throat and voice box, leading to swelling or muscle tightening that feels like a lump. Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), a “silent reflux,” is especially linked to globus symptoms.
Anxiety and stress
Strong emotional states can trigger tightening of the throat muscles, increased swallowing, and heightened awareness of throat sensations, all of which can mimic or worsen globus.
Muscle tension
Tense laryngeal or neck muscles that can be caused by stress, frequent throat clearing, or poor posture, can create the persistent sensation of a lump in the throat.
Differentiating globus sensation from other conditions
Other conditions can mimic the lump in the throat feeling, but may require different treatments. True swallowing difficulty, persistent pain, or visible throat changes suggest causes other than globus and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. A few conditions that can feel similar include:
Dysphagia
Dysphagia is a true difficulty swallowing (food getting stuck, choking, or pain). Globus sensation does not interfere with swallowing.
Painful conditions
Strep throat, tonsillitis, or severe throat infections cause pain, redness, and fever. These additional symptoms are not typical of globus.
Could it be strep or mono?
A throat infection could also cause the feeling of a lump in the throat, but it will likely have other symptoms as well. For example, does it hurt to swallow? Have you had a sore throat for a few days? Is your throat red, or do you have white spots on your tonsils? Then you may have strep throat or mononucleosis (mono).
Strep throat
Strep is a bacterial infection of the throat, usually when the streptococcus bacteria grow on your tonsils.
In addition to moderate to severe sore throat and pain with swallowing (odynophagia), you may have swollen lymph nodes and a fever. Your tonsils may have a white, spotty appearance, or they could be red and swollen.
You can catch strep by sharing saliva, utensils, or drinking glasses. If you’re worried you have it, head to an urgent care for a rapid test. The results are available in less than 10 minutes, and the doctor can prescribe antibiotics for treatment.
Mononucleosis
Caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and caught by someone else who has it, mono can look and feel very much like strep throat.
Your tonsils can be red or swollen, or they can have a whitish appearance. There is a rapid test available for mono, but because it’s caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t treat it.
Could it be an STD?
Yes, STDs do occur in the throat, most commonly gonorrhea. Symptoms of gonorrhea can include severe sore throat, red, swollen tonsils, and sores of the mouth.
Another possibility is a herpes infection of the mouth and throat.
Many urgent care centers can test for both and prescribe the appropriate medication, if needed.
Could it be cancer?
Unfortunately, yes. However, cancer of the mouth and throat typically occurs in those who have risk factors such as the use of tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco), heavy alcohol use, or a history of radiation exposure. In some cases, however, you can get cancer without risk factors.
It’s important to seek medical attention if you have a sore in your mouth that won’t heal, a sensation of something stuck in your throat, or fevers, night sweats, or weight loss.
When to seek medical attention
While typically globus sensation isn’t dangerous, you may want to see a healthcare provider just to rule out any other more serious health conditions.
Red flag symptoms
Globus sensation usually disappears on its own over time, but you should seek medical advice if the condition is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
- A mass that can be seen or felt in or around the neck or throat
- Choking when swallowing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Muscle weakness in the throat or elsewhere in the body
- Pain during swallowing
- Pain in the throat or neck
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
It’s also time to call the doctor if your symptoms get progressively worse, or if you’re over the age of 50, if you have a history of smoking or frequent alcohol use, and symptoms come on suddenly.
Consultation
If you do see your provider, they will evaluate for reflux, allergies, post-nasal drip, thyroid issues, or muscle tension and recommend appropriate treatment.
Treatment for globus sensation
There’s no specific treatment for globus pharyngeus, but it’s controllable. Here are a few ways to help improve this sensation:
Lifestyle modifications
Simple lifestyle habits can significantly reduce globus sensation. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, improving posture, avoiding throat irritants like smoking or frequent throat clearing, and staying well-hydrated can all help ease muscle tension in the throat.
Medical interventions
If reflux is contributing to the symptoms, medications for GERD can help improve symptoms. For those whose globus is linked to anxiety or muscle tension, cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation training, or targeted treatment for anxiety can be effective.
Follow-up care
If symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes and initial treatment, regular follow-up with a healthcare provider can help reassess the cause and adjust the treatment plan. Ongoing monitoring helps ensure that less common conditions are not missed as a potential cause.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about globus sensation and throat discomfort.
What is globus sensation?
Globus sensation is the feeling of a lump, tightness, or pressure in the throat, even though no physical obstruction is present.
What causes globus sensation?
It is most commonly caused by acid reflux, anxiety, and muscle tension in the throat.
How can I differentiate globus sensation from other throat conditions?
Globus does not cause pain, fever, or true difficulty swallowing; if swallowing is painful or food feels stuck, infection or dysphagia is more likely.
When should I see a doctor about my throat sensation?
You should see a healthcare provider if the sensation persists, worsens, or is accompanied by red flags like pain, weight loss, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing.
How is globus sensation treated?
Treatment targets the underlying cause and may include managing reflux, reducing stress, relaxing throat muscles, staying hydrated, and addressing anxiety.
References:
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/globus-sensation
