TY - JOUR T1 - Globus pharyngeus: an update for general practice JF - British Journal of General Practice JO - Br J Gen Pract SP - 554 LP - 555 DO - 10.3399/bjgp15X687193 VL - 65 IS - 639 AU - Daniel Jones AU - Simon Prowse Y1 - 2015/10/01 UR - http://bjgp.org/content/65/639/554.abstract N2 - Globus pharyngeus or globus sensation is the painless sensation of a lump in the throat and may be described as a foreign body sensation, a tightening or choking feeling. It is often associated with persistent clearing of the throat, chronic cough, hoarseness, and catarrh.1 Globus pharyngeus makes up 4% of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) referrals and is reported to have been experienced by up to 45% of the population.1The aetiology of globus pharyngeus remains uncertain. Causes suggested include cricopharyngeal spasm, lingual tonsil, cervical osteophytosis, hiatus hernia, gastro-oesophageal reflux, sinusitis, post-nasal drip, goitre, foreign body, anxiety, and, very rarely, hypopharyngeal cancer.2It has been suggested that regurgitation of stomach acid and digestive enzymes induces chronic inflammation of the laryngopharynx resulting in symptoms. Studies have reported reflux in 23–68% of patients with globus sensation. However, some report a similar rate in asymptomatic control patients.1 It is thought that gastro-oesophageal reflux is likely to be the cause in a subgroup of patients but cannot explain all cases.2Oesophageal motility disorders are another potential aetiological factor. Studies suggest an association between upper oesophageal sphincter function and globus sensation, with one showing elevated sphincter pressure in 28% of patients with globus pharyngeus compared with 3% of controls.1Psychological … ER -