What's with the Lump in the Throat? Globus, Dysphagia, and the Role of the Upper Esophageal Sphincter in Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease.

Globus is a feeling of a lump or fullness in the throat. It can be a symptom of reflux or a distinct functional disorder. Dysphagia is the sensation that food is hindered in passing from the mouth to the stomach. There are connections between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and dysphagia. Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPR) is likely a subset of GERD patients with specific alterations in upper esophageal sphincter (UES) reflexes that reduce esophageal refluxate clearance and increase the likelihood that refluxate will penetrate the UES barrier. In return, augmentation of the UES barrier can reduce LPR.