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Globus Pharyngis Sensation of Lump in Throat
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Globus pharyngis is the term applied to the sensation of a lump or discomfort in the throat. The condition is probably due to cricopharyngeal spasm occuring during moment of tension.
Discomfort may be relieved by eating and there is no interference with the swallowing of foods or liquids. Discomfort may be aggravated by the patient's constant action of swallowing. Also frequent introspection and anxiety seem to make the problem worse.
Note that some patients with globus pharyngis may be found to have * reflux esophagitis or a * gastric ulcer and therefore a * barium swallow may be performed to attempt to exclude organic pathology (the study of disease related to an organ).
If discomfort persists then * esophagoscopy is essential.
Reflux Esophagitis
Reflux esophagitis is common condition, occurring at any age, caused by transient or persistent loss of tone of the * lower esophageal sphincter.
Reflux esophagitis causes a * retrosternal burning sensation, described by the patient as heartburn.
If the esophagus becomes very inflamed the patient will also have a * dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
Bending, stooping, heavy lifting and tight clothes all force acid up into the * esophagus and cause heartburn.
Globus Hystericus
A * chronic (lasting a long time) sensation of a foreign object lodged in the throat, tightness of the throat and a difficulty to initiate swallowing. Believed to be due to irritation and spasm in the cricopharyngeal sphincter region.
Cricopharyngeal is the major muscle component of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES). It separates the pharynx from the esophagus.
Definitions For This Page - In Alphabetical Order
* Barium
Pronounced - BAIR-ee-um
A chalky liquid used to coat the inside of organs so that they will show up on an x-ray.
* Chronic
Pronounced - KRAW-nik
A term that refers to disorders that last a long time, often years or a lifetime. A chronic condition is one lasting 3 months or more, by the definition of the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics.
* Dysphagia
Pronounced - dis-FAY-jee-uh
Problems in swallowing food or liquid, usually caused by blockage or injury to the esophagus.
* Esophagoscopy
Pronounced - ee-SAH-fuh-GOS-koh-pee
Examination of the esophagus (the organ that connects the mouth to the stomach, also called gullet) using a thin, lighted instrument.
* Esophagus
Pronounced - eh-SAW-fuh-gus
Also spelled oesophagus. The organ that connects the mouth to the stomach. Also called gullet.
* Gastric Ulcer
Pronounced - GAH-strik UL-sur
An open sore in the lining of the stomach. Also called Stomach Ulcer.
* Lower Esophageal Sphincter
Pronounced - LOH-wur uh-saw-fuh-JEE-ul SFEENK-tur
The muscle between the esophagus and stomach. When a person swallows, this muscle relaxes to let food pass from the esophagus to the stomach. It stays closed at other times to keep stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus.
* Reflux Esophagitis
Pronounced - REE-fluks uh-SAW-fuh-JY-tis
Irritation of the esophagus because stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus. Esophagus - also called gullet - is the organ that connects the mouth to the stomach.
* Retrosternal
Behind the sternum, the breastbone. The sternum is an anatomic name for the breast bone, the long flat bone in the upper middle of the front of the chest.
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References:
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