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Lump in the ThroatBy:
I have a tendency to get a "lump in the throat" sensation or a pressure-like feeling. It's like someone is pressing a finger against the base of my Adam's apple. I noticed that when I burp, the feeling goes away. I do have panic disorder, and one of my doctors suggested that I have a condition called "globus hystericus." What exactly is this, and is it related to my digestion or my esophagus? I really don't think I have that GERD problem because I only occasionally get heartburn or indigestion. Please tell me what I may have. It's very uncomfortable, this tightening (and frightening) feeling.
Dorothy
The feeling you get is actually called glolebus sensation -- not globus hystericus. This term is used to describe a feeling of a lump in the throat when no actual lump can be found on a thorough physical examination, including a barium X-ray or perhaps a direct examination of your throat by an ear, nose and throat specialist.
Just to be sure, you should have a thorough evaluation by a swallowing specialist to make certain there is no correctable abnormality. Treatment of your panic disorder may help relieve the feeling. Be assured -- if a thorough evaluation does not find an obstruction (blockage), you will not choke, have your airway cut off or otherwise get in any trouble.
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