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Globus Disease

The term globus disease refers to a lump in the throat that can occur due to reflux or stress. In some cases, globus may result from serious maladies such as throat cancer. Certain instances of globus do not result from an anatomical cause.

  1. Problems Due to Globus

    • Commonly diagnosed as globus or globus hystericus by medical professionals, a lump in the throat generally interferes with swallowing. This results in difficulty eating and in taking pill-form medications as well as complications with hospital procedures that involve using the esophagus as a pathway for airflow or for other reasons.

    Reflux and Globus

    • Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, commonly causes globus. Treatments for GERD--that include dietary changes, medication and sleep position adjustments--often also reduce globus sensations.

    Psychological Globus

    • Another common cause of globus does not result from physical issues but from psychological ones. Stress or severe emotional highs or lows may increase globus, but physicians typically rule out physical causes before deeming globus psychological. Recommendations for treatment include psychotherapy or another lifestyle coping method.

    Cancer

    • Tumors in the different areas of the throat and mouth can also appear as globus. These types of tumors most often get diagnosed in smokers and sometimes signal cancer.

    Tips

    • In children, globus may result from something stuck in the throat. Globus can also signal nervous system disorders such as meningitis.

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