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.
Although the feeling is very real, its cause is not always clear. It has been associated with GERD (reflux disease) even in people who do not have heartburn or indigestion. It may be related to an abnormality in the upper esophagus or the muscle that opens when you swallow, or it may be that this area is hypersensitive to various stimuli. Often no blockage or other structural abnormality can be found; in my experience, this is usually the case.

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.