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A feeling of a lump in my throat
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
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Feeling of a "lump in the throat" (synonyms: dyskinesia of the upper esophageal sphincter, functional globe, globus pharyngis, globus hystericus).
The sensation of a "lump in the throat" is a feeling of distension or constriction in the pharynx. As a rule, discomfort is felt in the midline above the thyroid cartilage. In 1/3 of patients, manifestations of this symptom are registered in other areas on the anterior surface of the neck. Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or odynophagia (painful swallowing) are absent. However, swallowing solid or liquid food can provoke unpleasant sensations.
The feeling of a "lump in the throat" is based on an increase in the tone and reactivity of the upper esophageal sphincter. When excluding pathology of the distal esophagus, gastroesophageal reflux or other causes (esophageal or extraesophageal) that lead to a change in the structure of the esophagus, we can talk about the functional nature of the suffering - the functional globe.
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