Feeling of something in your throat (Globus)

Feeling of something in your throat (Globus) Home Illnesses and conditions Symptoms and self-help Tests and treatments Healthy living Care, support and rights Scotlands Service Directory 0 Home Illnesses and conditions Ears, nose and throat Feeling of something in your throat (Globus) Feeling of something in your throat (Globus) Globus is a symptom that can make you feel like you have a lump in your throat. Its also called globus sensation. Globus is usually not a sign of anything serious. It can be caused by many things, such as an increased tension of muscles or irritation in the throat. Your throat can be irritated by, for example, reflux. There are things you can do to help your globus symptoms at home, without the need to attend your GP. Symptoms of globus Different people describe globus differently. It may be felt as: tightness or a pressure in your throat mucus that you cannot clear ( catarrh ) an area of discomfort in your throat a feeling of something stuck or a lump in your throat If you feel something sticking in your throat, but can eat and drink normally and without pain, you do not need to worry. Your symptoms may: be most noticeable youre swallowing your saliva get worse with stress and worry vary from day to day When to get medical advice Speak to your GP practice if: you develop any difficulty or pain when swallowing you feel a lump in the neck you experience unintentional weight loss your symptoms do not improve If your symptoms do not improve, your GP will provide further support and advice on whether you need to see an ear nose and throat (ENT) specialist. Treatment for globus at home There are a number of things you can do to try to relieve globus symptoms. In most people, symptoms will get better following these self-help tips. However, for some people symptoms can recur off and on for several months. Eating and drinking Do drink at least 1.5 litres (3 pints) of water every day  drink in small sips as swallowing helps to relax the throat avoid too much alcohol, tea, coffee and fizzy drinks reduce the amount of fatty and spicy food in your diet leave at least 3 hours between your last meal and going to bed try anti-reflux medication (ask a pharmacist for advice) Stop smoking Smoking causes irritation to your throat. By stopping smoking, you can help to improve your globus symptoms. Further information on stopping smoking Avoid clearing your throat Try not to clear your throat as this can make your globus sensation worse. Try sipping water instead. Maintain a healthy weight Losing any excess weight may reduce your symptoms. Reduce stress Stress can increase your globus sensation. If you think you might be stressed, try to relax in a way that is doable for you and your situation. Breathing and relaxation exercises can sometimes help. If you feel you need further help with managing stress, your GP can discuss this with you. Further information about relieving stress Source: ENT Scotland - Opens in new browser window Last updated: 28 March 2024 How can we improve this page? Help us improve NHS inform Thank You Your feedback has been received Dont include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions. Email Address e.g. you@example.com Message Maximum of 500 characters Send feedback Add this page to\n            Info For Me NHS inform About NHS inform Editorial policy Contact us Webchat Give feedback about NHS inform Info for Me tool Terms and conditions Privacy and cookies policy Freedom of information (FOI) Accessibility Other languages and formats  2023 NHS 24  v1.1.1.17852