ABSTRACT
Dysphagia is the sensation arising from impediment or obstruction to the passage of food from the mouth to the stomach.1,2 Dysphagia is typically described as food “hanging up” or “sticking” on attempted swallowing. A careful history can lead to the cause of dysphagia in greater than 80% of patients with up to 80% accuracy.3,4 Odynophagia refers to pain during the act of swallowing.1 Globus is distinct from dysphagia and describes a sensation of fullness, discomfort, or a lump in the throat that is constant and does not interfere with swallowing.1 In fact, globus may actually improve during swallowing. Most patients with globus do not have evidence of organic oropharyngeal or esophageal disease despite exhaustive investigation.1
