Doctors are not sure what causes globus sensation. It may involve increased muscle tension in muscles of the throat or just below the throat or it may also be due to gastroesophageal reflux. The sensation sometimes comes when people experience certain emotions, such as grief or pride, but is often independent of such feelings. People with globus sensation rarely require immediate evaluation by a doctor. The following information can help people decide whether a doctor’s evaluation is needed and help them know what to expect during the evaluation. In people with globus sensation, certain symptoms and characteristics suggest another disorder is present and are cause for concern. They include Neck or
throat pain Weight loss Abrupt appearance Muscle weakness Progressive worsening of symptoms People who have warning signs should see a doctor within a few days to a week. People who have no warning signs should call their doctor. Depending on the severity and nature of the sensation, doctors may suggest people wait to see how symptoms develop or suggest a mutually convenient time. Doctors ask questions about the person's symptoms and medical history and do a physical examination. What doctors find during the history and physical examination helps decide what, if any, tests need to be done. The history is focused on distinguishing globus sensation from difficulty swallowing, which suggests a structural or motility (movement) disorder of the throat or esophagus. Doctors ask people to clearly describe their symptoms, particularly their relationship to swallowing (such as a sensation of food sticking) and emotional events. They also seek any other warning signs. The physical examination is focused on the mouth and neck. Doctors inspect and feel the floor of the mouth and the neck for masses. Doctors look down the throat with a thin, flexible viewing scope to inspect the back of the throat and the voice box. Doctors also observe the person swallowing water and a solid food such as crackers. Warning signs or abnormal findings found during the examination suggest a mechanical or motility disorder of swallowing. People who have chronic symptoms that occur during episodes of grief that may be relieved by crying suggest globus sensation. People who have symptoms that are not related to swallowing, have no warning signs (particularly no pain or difficulty with swallowing), and a normal examination (including swallowing observed by the doctor) most likely have globus sensation. Such people rarely need tests. Globus sensation does not require any treatment besides reassurance and sympathetic concern. Sometimes, simply understanding that globus sensation comes with certain moods is all the help people need. No drugs are helpful. However, if any underlying depression, anxiety, or other behavioral disorder seems to be making symptoms more disturbing to people, doctors may try giving an antidepressant drug or referring people to a psychiatrist.
CLICK HERE FOR THE PROFESSIONAL VERSION  Copyright © 2022 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved. What is Globus Pharyngeus?Globus Pharyngeus refers to the feeling of a lump in the throat. Some people describe this as a ‘tightness’ in the throat which is commonly felt when swallowing saliva. This is usually not associated with sore throat. They don’t experience any difficulty in swallowing food, in fact some people find that the globus symptoms are better while eating and drinking. This globus sensation is usually felt in the front of the neck and it can move up and down or sideways. How common is Globus Pharyngeus?It is a common condition that accounts for approximately 4% of new referrals to ear, nose and throat (ENT) clinics. It is reported by up to 46% of apparently healthy individuals, with a peak incidence in middle age.This condition is equally prevalent in men and women, though the latter are more likely to seek health care for this symptom. What are the associated symptoms of Globus Pharyngeus?
What are the potential causes of Globus Pharyngeus?
What are the investigations?There has been no consensus regarding how best to diagnose and manage globus pharyngeus. A study of United Kingdom-based ENT specialists (Webb et al, 2000) found that 14% performed no tests on globus patients but rather simply prescribed antacid medication if clinically indicated. The remaining 86% investigated globus symptoms in a variety of ways, including rigid endoscopy (61%), barium swallow (56%), or a combination of these methods (17.5%). Nasal endoscopy – This is usually done in the clinic by passing a flexible fibre-optic camera through your nose to view your nose, throat and voice box. Barium Swallow – This is done in the radiology department. You are asked to drink a preparation that contains barium sulfate which is a compound that shows up on X-rays. The X-rays track its path through your upper digestive system and is used to help see abnormalities in the oesophagus and stomach. Xray C-spine – This is a simple Xray of the neck to check for any arthritis of the neck spine (osteophytes). Osteophytes can sometimes cause globus symptoms Rigid endoscopy – This involves examination of the throat, voice box and food pipe under a general anaesthetic. What can be done to help?Given the benign nature of the condition, patients with typical globus do not appear to need further investigation; rather, a 3-month treatment with high-dose anti reflux medication seems to be a reliable treatment option Acid reflux medications – Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, ranitidine, Gaviscon advance Life style modifications to reduce acid reflux-minimise caffeine, spirits, fruit juice and spicy food intake, stop smoking, avoid fizzy drinks, leave at least 3 hours between dinner and going to sleep etc Speech and language therapy / Relaxation techniques include:
The most important thing to remember is that this condition is just an abnormal sensation of a lump in the throat rather than an actual growth or lump.Is there a chance that this could be cancer?Globus symptom causes a lot of anxiety among patients who are smokers or heavy drinkers. However, patients with “alarm signs”, such as dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing), odynophagia (painful swallowing) throat pain, weight loss and hoarseness should undergo more extensive evaluation.
For more information on Mr Modayil, his clinical interests or to arrange an appointment, please click here.References Moloy PJ, Charter R. The globus symptom. Incidence, therapeutic response, and age and sex relationships. Arch Otolaryngol. 1982;108:740–744. [PubMed] Drossman DA, Li Z, Andruzzi E, Temple RD, Talley NJ, Thompson WG, Whitehead WE, Janssens J, Funch-Jensen P, Corazziari E. U.S. householder survey of functional gastrointestinal disorders. Prevalence, sociodemography, and health impact. Dig Dis Sci. 1993;38:1569–1580. [PubMed] Batch AJ. Globus pharyngeus (Part I) J Laryngol Otol. 1988;102:152–158. [PubMed] Smit CF, van Leeuwen JA, Mathus-Vliegen LM, Devriese PP, Semin A, Tan J, Schouwenburg PF. Gastropharyngeal and gastroesophageal reflux in globus and hoarseness. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2000;126:827–830. [PubMed] Sinn DH, Kim JH, Kim S, Son HJ, Kim JJ, Rhee JC, Rhee PL. Response rate and predictors of response in a short-term empirical trial of high-dose rabeprazole in patients with globus. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2008;27:1275–1281. [PubMed] Tokashiki R, Yamaguchi H, Nakamura K, Suzuki M. Globus sensation caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease. Auris Nasus Larynx. 2002;29:347–351. [PubMed] Webb CJ, Makura ZG, Fenton JE, Jackson SR, McCormick MS, Jones AS. Globus pharyngeus: a postal questionnaire survey of UK ENT consultants. Clin Otolaryngol Allied Sci. 2000; 25:566–569. Disclaimer: This information is intended solely for the general information of the reader and is not a substitute for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your GP/health care provider for a formal diagnosis. Date: 10/05/2017 |
Hurts to swallow feels like something in throat
Copyright © 2024 kemunculan Inc.
