When strong emotions like sadness arise, many people experience a peculiar feeling in their throat, often described as a “lump.” This sensation can be perplexing, making it feel as though something is physically obstructing the airway. Understanding this common phenomenon involves exploring the intricate biological responses triggered by intense emotional states.
What is the “Lump in the Throat” Sensation?
This sensation manifests as a feeling of tightness, fullness, or an internal obstruction within the throat. It is a widespread, harmless, and temporary experience, specifically linked to moments of significant emotional distress, such as crying. Informally, this sensation is sometimes referred to as “globus sensation” or “globus hystericus,” emphasizing it is a perceived feeling, not a physical blockage.
The Physiological Mechanism Behind the Sensation
Intense emotional responses, particularly those leading to crying, activate the sympathetic nervous system. This part of the autonomic nervous system prepares the body for a “fight or flight” response, leading to increased muscle tension, including in the throat and larynx.
During crying, the body instinctively takes deeper, more rapid breaths to accommodate the heightened emotional state. The glottis, which is the opening between the vocal cords, reflexively widens. This widening allows for a greater volume of air to pass in and out of the lungs more quickly.
Simultaneously, the body’s natural swallowing reflex remains active. This reflex works to close the glottis momentarily to prevent food or liquid from entering the trachea, or windpipe, during swallowing. This protective mechanism is a continuous process, even during emotional states.
The sensation of a “lump” arises from the conflict between these two opposing physiological actions. The glottis attempts to remain wide open for increased breathing during crying, while the swallowing reflex tries to constrict it for its protective function. This involuntary tug-of-war, combined with the generalized muscle tension in the throat from sympathetic nervous system activation, creates the distinct feeling of a blockage.
The muscles of the pharynx and larynx, involved in both breathing and swallowing, become tense and fatigued from this constant interplay. This muscular tension contributes to the perceived sensation of a foreign object. The body’s intricate control over these structures, designed for both air passage and food ingestion, momentarily clashes under emotional duress.
When the Sensation Subsides and Why It’s Normal
The feeling of a “lump in the throat” is temporary and typically diminishes as the intensity of the emotional crying episode subsides. As the emotional state calms, the autonomic nervous system shifts from sympathetic dominance to a more relaxed, parasympathetic state. This allows the throat muscles to relax from their heightened tension.
With the reduction in emotional intensity, the demand for rapid, deep breaths lessens, and the glottis no longer needs to remain as widely open. The conflict between the glottis opening for breathing and the swallowing reflex attempting to close it resolves. The coordinated actions of the throat muscles return to their normal, relaxed state.
This sensation is a common and normal physiological response to strong emotions. It is generally not a cause for concern. If a persistent sensation of a lump in the throat occurs outside of crying episodes or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable.