Feeling Something Stuck in the Throat (Globus) – Causes and Evaluation

Feeling Something Stuck in the Throat (Globus) – Causes and Evaluation

Why Does My Throat Feel Blocked Even When Nothing Is There? Many people suddenly feel a lump, tightness, or pressure in the throat — even though they can swallow food and water normally. This strange, uneasy sensation is called Globus. For some, it appears during stress; for others, it starts after acidity, allergies, or throat irritation. But because it’s not painful, most people ignore it until it lasts for weeks or months.

What people don’t realise is that globus is often related to underlying issues like silent reflux, post-nasal drip, muscle tension, or dryness. A timely evaluation with a throat specialist in Mumbai helps identify the exact cause and prevent long-term irritation. With the right approach, the sensation is almost always treatable.

What Globus Sensation Really Means

Globus is a symptom — not a disease.
Patients usually describe it as:

  • A lump-like feeling
  • A “blocked” sensation
  • Tightness when swallowing saliva
  • Repeated urge to swallow
  • Feeling of mucus stuck in the throat

Even though swallowing is normal, the brain senses irritation and creates a false feeling of obstruction. This is why many people searching for treatment for globus sensation in Mumbai feel confused — they know something feels wrong but tests sometimes appear normal.

Silent Reflux — The Most Common Cause Behind the Lump Sensation

Silent reflux (LPR) is responsible for nearly 60% of globus cases.
Unlike acidity, LPR doesn’t cause burning — it directly irritates the throat and vocal cords causing:

  • Morning heaviness
  • Bitter taste
  • Hoarse voice
  • Throat clearing
  • A constant stuck feeling

Because there is no heartburn, people often misdiagnose it as stress or infection. Evaluation by a doctor for throat reflux and swallowing issues in Mumbai helps confirm and treat the true cause.

Allergies and Post-Nasal Drip — A Hidden Trigger

Mumbai’s humidity, pollution, and dust exposure often lead to allergies.
Allergies cause mucus to drip from the nose into the throat — known as post-nasal drip. This creates irritation, dryness, and a persistent globus sensation. Many people who visit Dr. Shama Kovale discover that untreated allergies were the source of their throat discomfort.

Throat Muscle Tension and Stress-Related Globus

Stress, anxiety, and overworking tighten the muscles of the neck and throat.
This tightening compresses the area around the swallowing pathway, creating:

  • Pressure
  • Constriction
  • A “tight band” feeling

In such cases, treatments focus on correcting throat tension, posture, breathing, and lifestyle — not just medication.

Dryness and Lifestyle Factors That Make Globus Worse

Everyday habits can irritate the throat and produce a stuck sensation:

  • Air-conditioned office environments
  • Dehydration
  • Smoking or vaping
  • Excess caffeine
  • Late-night eating
  • Talking loudly for long hours
  • Poor sleep

Professionals like teachers, singers, corporate staff, and call-centre workers frequently consult the best voice specialist in Mumbai when lifestyle triggers cause ongoing throat discomfort or strain.

When Globus Suggests Another Medical Condition

While most cases are harmless, a small percentage may be linked to:

  • Thyroid enlargement
  • Tonsil-related issues
  • Chronic sinusitis
  • Vocal cord swelling
  • Swallowing muscle imbalance

This is why persistent symptoms should always be evaluated by the best ent doctor in Mumbai for globus sensation for reassurance and proper care.

Meet Dr. Shama Kovale — Why Patients Choose Me

“Why does a small throat symptom create such a big worry?”
I hear this from patients almost every day — especially those struggling with a strange lump sensation, reflux-related irritation, or swallowing discomfort. And this is exactly why I specialised in throat, voice, and airway care. Your throat and voice carry your identity, communication, and confidence — and protecting them is my priority.

Here’s why patients trust me with globus and complex throat concerns:

  • 23+ years of ENT experience with a deep focus on voice, reflux, and swallowing disorders.
  • Advanced fellowship training at UC Davis (USA) and rich experience at Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai.
  • Head of the Voice & Swallowing Centre at Kokilaben Hospital, where advanced diagnostics are performed under one roof.
  • Special expertise in globus sensation, silent reflux, chronic throat irritation, swallowing problems, and vocal cord evaluation.
  • A gentle, patient-first approach, ensuring every patient understands their condition clearly.
  • Non-surgical treatment first, using medicine, lifestyle correction, voice care, and reflux management.
  • Tailored solutions for professionals such as teachers, singers, influencers, and corporate staff.
  • A strong emphasis on long-term throat and voice protection, preventing recurrence.

“My approach is simple — diagnose accurately, treat gently, and ensure long-term relief so you can speak, swallow, and live comfortably again.”

My Patient Feedback

Mahesh Thakur, 44 – IT Manager
“The stuck feeling in my throat lasted months. Dr. Shama Kovale diagnosed reflux immediately. Treatment worked within weeks.”

Rita Almeida, 36 – Teacher
“I was worried about something serious. The doctor explained the condition calmly and treated my allergies. The sensation disappeared.”

Pratik Jain, 29 – Business Owner
“I couldn’t sleep because of the lump-like feeling. Her detailed evaluation and reassurance helped me recover.”

FAQs

What causes the feeling of something stuck in the throat?
Mostly reflux, allergies, muscle tension, or dryness.

Is globus sensation harmful?
No — in most cases it’s harmless and easily treatable.

Why does globus feel worse when swallowing saliva?
Because irritated throat muscles react more sensitively.

How is globus sensation diagnosed?
By endoscopy, laryngoscopy, reflux evaluation, and allergy screening.

Which doctor should I consult?
A specialised ENT like the best ent doctor in Mumbai for globus sensation.

Globus sensation is uncomfortable but almost always treatable. Whether caused by reflux, allergies, dryness, or throat muscle tension, early evaluation ensures fast and effective recovery. With over two decades of experience in throat, voice, swallowing, and airway care, Dr. Shama Kovale remains a trusted choice for patients looking for a throat specialist in Mumbai or seeking accurate treatment for globus sensation in Mumbai.

If a persistent lump-like feeling is affecting your comfort or peace of mind, expert help is available — and relief is within reach.

Contact Details

Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute
Rao Saheb Achutrao Patwardhan Marg, Four Bungalows,
Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053

Give us a Ring: +91-91528 50769
Email: drshamakovaleent@gmail.com
Website: https://voiceofent.com/

Book Appointment