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Globus sensation is the feeling of having pressure or a lump in the throat. It is a symptom of anxiety and can often result in the tightness of the throat. It’s not known why people experience globus sensation, and it’s usually not a cause for concern if there is no underlying problem.
It’s also called globus pharynges. It was previously thought to be a psychiatric condition because of which it was called globus hystericus. Some scientists believe people experience globus sensation when the muscles involved in swallowing don’t relax fully, making people feel like they have pressure in the throat.
Here are 13 ways to stop globus sensation and fight anxiety:
1 — Avoid smoking
Smoking can worsen symptoms of globus sensation. Smoking results in an increased production of stomach acid, and it also irritates the throat. Many people who suffer from globus have reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. Acid reflux can tighten the muscles involved in swallowing.
Smoking frequently can make these symptoms worse and result in increased muscle tension. Smoking can also worsen anxiety symptoms, so if you suffer from both globus and anxiety, it’s time you cut back on smoking.
2 — Reassurance
Globus sensation is a harmless condition. Reassurance is one of the most popular treatments for it. You can get checked by a doctor for any underlying condition. If there aren’t any, your doctor can reassure you that it’s nothing to worry about.
Usually, getting tested for underlying conditions and finding out that none can help people relax and get rid of that feeling that they lump the throat. More often than not, globus sensation is a harmless symptom of anxiety, and reassurance can help reduce anxiety levels.
3 — Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) for treating globus sensation
Proton pump inhibitors are medicines that reduce the production of stomach acid. In a 2013 study, 41 patients with globus sensation were given…
