What conditions might cause a lump in the back of the throat?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

A lump in the back of the throat is most commonly caused by globus pharyngeus, a harmless sensation of something stuck in the throat. Common underlying causes include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), post-nasal drip, and naso-sinus disease. Less frequently, anxiety, thyroid issues, or muscle tension can trigger it. While globus pharyngeus itself isn't dangerous, identifying the root cause is key to relief.

Because symptoms overlap with many conditions, guessing can delay proper care. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you evaluate your specific signs, understand possible causes, and decide whether self-care, a primary care visit, or a specialist referral is your best next step—no signup or cost required.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover causes of your throat lump Learn if throat lump needs care See if lump is something serious Find OTC options for throat discomfort Find doctors for throat and neck Discover home remedies for throat lumps Understand what causes a lump throat

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Explanation

Feeling a lump in the back of your throat can be uncomfortable and worrisome. One common cause of this sensation is a condition called globus pharyngeus. This is when you feel like there is something stuck in your throat, even though there isn't anything there. It can be related to stress or anxiety, but sometimes there might be other reasons, like problems with the muscles in your throat.

Another possible cause is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is when stomach acid comes back up into your throat and can irritate it, making it feel like there's a lump. GERD can also cause symptoms like heartburn and a sore throat.

Naso-sinus disease may also result in post nasal drip that gives you the sensation of a lump in the back of your throat.

If you feel a lump in your throat often, it's important to see a doctor. They can help figure out what's causing it and how to treat it. To better understand your symptoms and possible causes, you can try our free AI-powered symptom checker. Remember, these conditions are usually not serious, but it's always good to check with a healthcare provider to make sure.

(References)

Harvey PR, Theron BT, & Trudgill NJ. (2018). Managing a patient with globus pharyngeus. Frontline gastroenterology, 30046425.
Corso MJ, Pursnani KG, Mohiuddin MA, Gideon RM, Castell JA, Katzka DA, et al. (1998). Globus sensation is associated with hypertensive upper .... Digestive diseases and sciences, 9690388.
Ahuja V, Yencha MW, & Lassen LF. (1999). Head and neck manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux .... American family physician, 10498113.

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