Globus sensation

Persistent or intermittent, painless sensation of a lump, fullness, or foreign body in the pharynx or cervical esophagus, unrelated to swallowing and occurring in the absence of a demonstrable structural lesion on clinical examination or imaging.

Causes

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Esophageal spasm

• Increased upper esophageal sphincter tension

• Postnasal drip

• Chronic pharyngeal irritation (rhinosinusitis)

• Voice strain (excessive voice use)

• Psychological factors: Stress/anxiety