How do you get rid of a throat block? Understanding and resolving the causes

September 29, 2025 •

5 min read

An estimated 4% of referrals to ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists are for globus sensation, the feeling of a lump in the throat when there is no physical blockage. Understanding the distinction between a perceived sensation and an actual blockage is the first step to knowing how do you get rid of a throat block.

Quick Summary

The sensation of a throat block, or globus, can often be resolved by addressing underlying issues like acid reflux, anxiety, or postnasal drip, using remedies such as staying hydrated, managing stress, or modifying your diet. True blockages, though less common, may require different approaches, so knowing the root cause is essential for effective relief.

Key Points

Identify the cause: Determine if your throat block feeling, known as globus sensation, is due to acid reflux (GERD), anxiety, or postnasal drip, as treatment varies.
Stay hydrated: Sip water throughout the day to keep your throat lubricated and thin mucus, helping to alleviate the lump sensation.
Avoid irritants: Limit consumption of spicy and fatty foods, caffeine, and alcohol, especially if reflux is suspected, to prevent throat irritation.
Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to calm the nervous system, which can reduce muscle tension in the throat caused by anxiety.
When to seek medical help: Consult a doctor if the sensation is persistent, painful, or accompanied by symptoms like weight loss or difficulty breathing, as it may indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Avoid excessive clearing: Refrain from aggressively clearing your throat, as this can cause further irritation; instead, try taking a small sip of water or a silent swallow.

Causes of the 'Lump in the Throat' Sensation

Many people experience the feeling of a throat block, which is medically known as globus sensation or globus pharyngeus. This sensation is often perceived as a painless but persistent lump or tightness, but unlike choking, it doesn't prevent you from breathing or swallowing. A variety of factors can contribute to this common and often temporary condition.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Acid reflux is a very common cause of globus sensation. When stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, it can cause inflammation and irritation. This can trigger the muscles in your throat to tighten, creating the feeling of a lump. Silent reflux, or Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR), can also cause this feeling without the typical heartburn symptoms.

Trigger foods: Avoid spicy, fatty, and acidic foods.
Timing: Don't eat large meals right before lying down.
Medication: Over-the-counter or prescription acid reducers may help.

Stress and Anxiety

Emotional factors like stress, anxiety, and grief can cause the muscles around your throat to tense up. This muscle tension is a common, physical manifestation of psychological stress. The sensation often worsens during periods of high emotion and can improve with relaxation.

Postnasal Drip

Excess mucus dripping down the back of the throat can create the persistent need to clear your throat, which in turn can cause irritation and swelling. This irritation can make it feel as if there is something stuck in the throat.

Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to thin the mucus.
Humidifier: Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
Saline rinses: Nasal irrigation with a saline solution can help clear sinuses.

Muscular and Neurological Issues

Sometimes, the muscles in the esophagus itself can spasm, a condition known as esophageal spasm, or there can be issues with the coordination of the swallowing muscles, called dysphagia. While these are rarer causes, they can lead to a sensation of a throat blockage.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Adjustments for Relief

For most cases of globus sensation, simple at-home strategies can provide significant relief by addressing the underlying causes. These methods focus on reducing irritation, managing stress, and improving hydration.

Keep Your Throat Moist

One of the most effective strategies is to keep your throat hydrated. Dryness can exacerbate the feeling of a blockage.

Sip water frequently: Small, frequent sips of water can help lubricate the throat muscles and wash away any irritants.
Warm fluids: Drinking warm liquids like herbal tea with honey or clear broth can be very soothing.
Use a humidifier: Especially at night, a humidifier can prevent your throat from drying out.

Modify Your Diet

Certain foods and drinks can trigger or worsen symptoms, particularly if acid reflux is the cause.

Identify trigger foods: Pay attention to which foods might be causing your reflux and try to avoid them.
Avoid irritants: Reduce your intake of alcohol, caffeine, and overly spicy or fatty foods, which can irritate the throat lining.

Relax and Reduce Stress

If anxiety is the culprit, incorporating relaxation techniques into your daily routine can make a big difference.

Deep breathing exercises: Practicing mindful breathing can help calm your nervous system and relax tense muscles.
Meditation: Guided meditation can help you focus your mind and reduce overall stress levels.
Gentle exercises: Simple neck stretches or exaggerated chewing/yawning can help relax the throat muscles.

Stop Aggressive Throat Clearing

While it's tempting to constantly clear your throat when you feel a lump, this action only causes more irritation and can worsen the cycle. Instead, try one of the following:

Take a small sip of water.
Perform a gentle, silent swallow.
Resist the urge and let the sensation pass naturally.

Medical Conditions Requiring Professional Attention

While most cases are not serious, it's important to differentiate between globus sensation and true dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. If you experience certain symptoms, you should consult a healthcare provider.

When to See a Doctor

See a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms in addition to the feeling of a throat block:

Pain while swallowing (odynophagia).
Weight loss without explanation.
Difficulty breathing or hoarseness for more than two weeks.
Sensation of food getting stuck after swallowing.
A palpable lump in your neck.

Professional Treatments

Depending on the diagnosis, a doctor might recommend various treatments:

Speech Therapy: A speech-language pathologist can teach you exercises and techniques to relax your throat muscles and improve swallowing coordination.
Medication: Prescriptions for acid reflux, anxiety, or specific muscle relaxants may be prescribed.
Further Diagnostic Tests: In rare cases, further tests like a laryngoscopy or barium swallow study may be performed to rule out other conditions. For more information on dysphagia treatment, visit the Mayo Clinic at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dysphagia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372033.

Home Remedies vs. Medical Treatment Comparison


Feature	Home Remedies	Medical Treatment
Effectiveness	Often effective for minor cases like globus sensation caused by stress, anxiety, or postnasal drip.	Necessary for underlying medical conditions like severe GERD, esophageal spasms, or dysphagia.
Cost	Generally low or free, involving diet changes and relaxation techniques.	Varies depending on diagnosis, prescriptions, and specialist visits.
Timeframe for Relief	Can provide immediate, temporary relief and long-term improvement with consistent practice.	Relief depends on the condition and treatment plan, sometimes taking weeks.
Invasiveness	Non-invasive and can be integrated into daily life.	Can range from non-invasive medication to more invasive procedures like dilation or surgery.
Best For	Mild, intermittent symptoms without alarming signs; often related to stress or mild irritation.	Persistent, painful, or worsening symptoms, or when home remedies are ineffective.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Path to Relief

Experiencing a throat block sensation is an unsettling but frequently benign issue. The path to resolution begins with identifying the likely cause, whether it's related to acid reflux, stress, or other factors. For many, simple home remedies like staying hydrated, managing diet, and practicing relaxation techniques can offer significant relief. However, it's crucial to be vigilant for more serious symptoms like persistent pain or difficulty swallowing, which warrant a visit to a healthcare professional. By understanding the distinction between a minor irritation and a potential medical issue, you can take the appropriate steps to effectively get rid of a throat block and restore your comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

For immediate relief of globus sensation, try sipping on warm water or herbal tea to relax the throat muscles. If acid reflux is the cause, an over-the-counter antacid may help. Gentle neck stretches and deep breathing can also quickly relieve tension from stress.

Yes, anxiety and stress are common causes of globus sensation. During periods of high stress, the muscles in your throat and neck can become tense, creating a physical sensation of tightness or a lump without any actual blockage present.

If you consistently feel like food is physically getting stuck, it is not normal and requires medical attention. This is called dysphagia and is different from the globus sensation. See a doctor to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Warm, non-caffeinated drinks are often recommended. Options include warm water with honey and lemon, herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint, and clear broths. Staying hydrated helps thin mucus and soothes irritation.

Yes, chronic postnasal drip, where excess mucus drips down the back of your throat, can lead to persistent throat clearing and irritation. This can cause swelling and create the sensation of a lump in the throat.

No, you should avoid excessive throat clearing. This can irritate your vocal cords and throat lining, making the sensation worse. Instead, try taking a sip of water or performing a gentle, silent swallow.

Long-term solutions involve treating the root cause. This might include managing chronic GERD with medication and lifestyle changes, utilizing therapy like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety-related cases, or working with a speech therapist for muscle-related issues.