An approach to globus pharyngeus

Globus pharyngeus, or globus, is characterised by the sensation of a lump or tightness in the throat. Symptoms can be persistent, difficult to treat and often reoccur. Globus is a common issue in the community, with lifetime prevalence occurring in up to 45% of the population.

This article aims to provide a narrative review of potential causes of globus, as well as a suggested guideline for work-up and management in the primary care setting.

Causes for globus remain uncertain; however, current opinion focuses on a mixture of muscle tension and mucosal irritation. It is estimated that globus makes up 4% of all primary care referrals to otolaryngologists. There are a handful of proposed causes, with treatments often able to be initiated in the primary care setting. Although most causes are benign, it is important for clinicians to maintain suspicion for malignancy, because this is often the patient's main concern.