Differential Diagnosis for Globus Sensation with Nausea
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This condition is characterized by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, which can cause a globus sensation and nausea due to the irritation of the esophagus and the stimulation of the vagus nerve.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Anxiety or stress: Globus sensation can be a symptom of anxiety or stress, as these conditions can cause muscle tension in the throat and lead to feelings of nausea.
- Esophageal dysmotility: Abnormal movement of food through the esophagus can cause a globus sensation and nausea due to the inefficient clearance of food and liquids.
- Functional dyspepsia: This condition is characterized by recurring signs and symptoms of indigestion that have no obvious cause, which can include a globus sensation and nausea.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Esophageal cancer: Although rare, esophageal cancer can cause a globus sensation and nausea, especially if the tumor is located in the upper or middle esophagus.
- Achalasia: This rare condition is characterized by the inability of food to pass through the esophagus, which can cause a globus sensation, nausea, and regurgitation of food.
- Thyroid enlargement or cancer: A large thyroid gland or thyroid cancer can compress the esophagus and cause a globus sensation and nausea.
- Rare diagnoses
- Eosinophilic esophagitis: This condition is characterized by an allergic reaction in the esophagus, which can cause a globus sensation, nausea, and difficulty swallowing.
- Esophageal ring or web: A narrowing of the esophagus can cause a globus sensation and nausea due to the obstruction of food and liquids.
- Hypothyroidism: Although less common, hypothyroidism can cause a globus sensation and nausea due to the slowing down of digestive processes and the accumulation of mucous in the throat.