Globus pharyngis

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Name of Symptom/Sign:
Globus hystericus
Classifications and external resources
ICD-10 F45.8
ICD-9 300.11

Globus pharyngis (also known as globus sensation, globus or, somewhat outdatedly, globus hystericus; commonly referred to as having a "lump in one's throat") is the persistent sensation of having phlegm or some other sort of obstruction in the throat when there is none. Swallowing can be performed normally, so it is not a true case of dysphagia, but it can become quite irritating.

The "lump in the throat" sensation that characterizes globus pharyngis is usually due to the inflammation of one or more parts of the throat such as the larynx or hypopharynx. It may also be caused by hysterical neurosis or anxiety disorders.

Psychoanalyst Carl Jung alleged that globus is widely known to come from swallowed tears. (from "Die Struktur der Seele", 1928.)