Victor Forge
Globus, or globus pharyngeus, is a condition that gives rise to the feeling of a lump in the throat. While the exact cause of globus is uncertain, it is often associated with increased tension in the muscles of the throat and neck. This tension can be caused by stress or anxiety, which are thought to play a key role in the appearance of globus. Certain exercises aimed at relaxing the neck, shoulder, and throat muscles can help alleviate the symptoms of globus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Increased tension in the muscles of the throat |
| Common link | Stress or anxiety |
| Symptoms | Lump in the throat, persistent throat-clearing, husky voice, sore throat, cough, tightness or pressure in the throat, mucus that won't clear |
| Treatment | Physiotherapy, speech therapy, drinking water, reducing throat-clearing, reducing stress, relaxation exercises, posture correction, neck stretch, shoulder flexes, jaw exercises, breathing exercises |
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What You'll Learn
Stress and anxiety
Globus sensation, or the feeling of a lump in the throat, is often associated with stress and anxiety. While the exact cause of globus is uncertain and varies across individuals, one common link is increased tension in the muscles of the throat. Stress and anxiety can cause a host of different physical symptoms all over the body, including stiff necks. This tension can also cause tightening of the muscles in the front part of the neck, around the throat and voice box.
When under stress or experiencing anxiety, people may tense their throat or swallow more frequently. This can lead to increased muscle tension and globus. The muscle at the top of the oesophagus (upper oesophageal sphincter) may experience increased pressure when the globus sensation is felt.
Stress can also make you tense and may increase the feeling of a 'lump in your throat'. It is important to note that globus is not due to a psychological disorder. However, it is often associated with emotions or mood, including feelings of anxiety or stress. It often occurs when holding back strong feelings or emotions, such as grief or pride.
There are a few ways to reduce the symptoms of globus caused by stress and anxiety. One way is to address "voice hygiene" at home. This includes avoiding things that could irritate the throat, such as smoking, alcohol, caffeine, and shouting or throat clearing. Instead, try sipping water. You can also try reducing stress in your life, such as through meditation or other mindfulness exercises.
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Stiff necks
Globus pharyngeus, commonly referred to as globus, is a condition that gives rise to the feeling of a lump in the throat. This feeling is not due to an actual lump but is instead caused by the tightening of muscles in the upper part of the gullet (oesophagus) and throat. One of the most relevant muscles is the cricopharyngeus muscle, which forms part of the sphincter mechanism at the top of the gullet. This muscle contracts to prevent the contents of the stomach from entering the throat and windpipe, thus preventing choking.
Stress and anxiety are common causes of globus, as they can lead to increased muscle tension in the throat and neck. This can result in a stiff neck, which is a well-recognized symptom of stress. It is less commonly known that stress and anxiety can also cause tightening of the muscles in the front part of the neck, around the throat and voice box, leading to globus.
Certain habits and lifestyle factors can also contribute to globus. Persistent throat-clearing, for example, can cause mild inflammation in the throat, exacerbating the sensation of a lump. Smoking is another irritant that can worsen globus symptoms by increasing stomach acid production and throat irritation. Additionally, consuming caffeine, fizzy drinks, and alcohol can dry out the throat and lead to dehydration, further aggravating the condition.
To alleviate globus symptoms, it is recommended to reduce throat-clearing and replace it with sipping cold water, which helps relax and hydrate the throat. Losing excess weight and managing stress through relaxation exercises can also help reduce the occurrence and severity of globus. In some cases, physiotherapy and speech therapy may be beneficial in reducing muscle tension and improving voice-related issues associated with globus.
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Stomach acid and irritation
Globus is a condition characterised by the feeling of a lump in the throat. It is important to note that globus is not usually a sign of anything serious. The exact cause of globus is uncertain, but it is often associated with stress, anxiety, and increased muscle tension in the throat and neck. While the link between tight neck muscles and globus is not explicitly clear, the sources mention that stress and anxiety can cause stiff necks and tightening of the muscles around the throat and voice box.
Now, let's discuss the role of stomach acid and irritation in relation to globus:
Stomach Acid and Reflux:
Stomach acid can irritate the throat and contribute to globus. Laryngopharyngeal reflux, also known as "silent reflux," occurs when stomach acids travel up the food pipe and into the throat. This can lead to irritation and inflammation of the tissues lining the throat, causing a globus sensation. Silent reflux is often challenging to detect as individuals may not experience typical reflux symptoms like heartburn or indigestion. Instead, they may exhibit chronic throat-clearing, voice changes, and a persistent cough.
Smoking and Stomach Acid:
Smoking can exacerbate globus symptoms by increasing stomach acid production and causing throat irritation. Quitting smoking can help improve globus symptoms by reducing irritation and acid levels in the throat.
Stomach Acid and Postnasal Drip:
Postnasal drip, caused by inflammation of the sinuses, can lead to mucus dripping down the back of the nose and irritating the throat. This irritation may trigger globus.
Managing Stomach Acid and Irritation:
To alleviate globus symptoms related to stomach acid and irritation, certain lifestyle changes can be implemented:
- Avoid trigger foods and drinks: Certain foods and beverages can contribute to reflux, so identifying and avoiding specific triggers can help manage globus.
- Reduce throat-clearing: Persistent throat-clearing can lead to mild inflammation and a cycle of increased throat-clearing. Instead, sipping water can help relax and hydrate the throat.
- Limit irritants: Alcohol, caffeine, and fizzy drinks can dry and irritate the throat, so minimising their consumption may alleviate globus symptoms.
- Manage stress: Stress can increase the globus sensation. Relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, can help reduce stress levels and potentially lessen the globus sensation.
- Speech and physiotherapy: These therapies can help reduce stress and improve muscle tension in the throat and neck, thereby reducing irritation and globus symptoms.
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Persistent throat-clearing
The exact cause of globus is uncertain and may vary between individuals. However, one common factor is increased tension in the muscles of the throat and neck, which can be caused by stress or anxiety. This tension can lead to a tightening of the muscles in the front part of the neck, around the throat and voice box. Additionally, certain habits or behaviours can irritate the throat and contribute to globus, such as smoking, excessive throat-clearing, and consuming caffeine, fizzy drinks, or alcohol.
To reduce the overall symptoms of globus, including persistent throat-clearing, it is advisable to address the underlying causes of muscle tension and throat irritation. This may include managing stress and anxiety through relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises or posture correction exercises. Physiotherapy for the throat and neck muscles can also be beneficial in reducing muscle tension and associated stress. Additionally, speech therapy may be recommended if voice problems are a concern.
In some cases, certain foods and drinks can contribute to globus symptoms, including reflux. It is advisable to avoid known triggers and irritants, such as caffeine and alcohol, and to maintain a healthy weight, as excess weight can contribute to reflux. If symptoms persist or become bothersome, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional, such as an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist, for further guidance and personalised treatment options.
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Speech therapy
While the exact cause of globus is uncertain, it is associated with increased tension in the muscles of the throat, irritation or swelling of the tissues lining the throat, or an altered perception of how the throat feels. It is often experienced during times of stress or anxiety.
- Explanation and education on normal swallowing
- Laryngopharyngeal tension reduction exercises
- Voice exercises
- Neck and shoulder exercises
- General relaxation techniques
- Postural advice
- Diaphragmatic breathing
- Manual therapy
- Swallowing exercises
- Laryngeal hygiene
- Throat clearing suppression
- Stress management
- Reassurance
While there is little high-quality evidence supporting the efficacy of SLP interventions in treating globus, all five studies included in a scoping review reported statistically significant improvements in globus symptoms following SLP intervention.
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Frequently asked questions
Globus, or globus pharyngeus, is a condition that gives rise to the feeling of a lump in the throat. It is important to remember that it is a feeling or sensation of a lump, rather than an actual lump.
The exact cause of globus is uncertain and may vary across individuals. However, common causes include increased tension in the muscles of the throat and neck, irritation or swelling of the tissues lining the throat, and stress or anxiety.
Yes, tight neck muscles can contribute to globus. Stress and anxiety can lead to stiff necks and increased muscle tension in the front part of the neck, which can trigger globus.
