Lansoprazole in globus pharyngeus: double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

To evaluate the effectiveness of once-daily lansoprazole in the typical globus pharyngeus patient, who presents with a normal head and neck examination and without other sinister otolaryngologic complaints.

Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Outpatient otolaryngology office practice.

After meeting the inclusion criteria, patients were randomized to a 3-month course of either treatment (30 mg lansoprazole daily) or placebo (lactose). All patients were given a medication diary and instructed to take the medication daily on waking. During the office visit, counseling regarding lifestyle modifications for gastroesophageal reflux disease was provided to all patients.

The Glasgow-Edinburgh Throat Scale questionnaire was given prior to treatment and at 1- and 3-month intervals during treatment.

Forty patients were enrolled between June 2005 and December 2006. Nineteen patients were randomized to the lansoprazole treatment arm, whereas 21 were enrolled in the placebo arm. Both groups were similar with regard to age, sex, and smoking history. The globus symptom score improved an average of 6.7 of 70 points in the treatment group and 2.9 points in the placebo group. There was no clinically or statistically significant difference between the two groups at any time point.

The globus pharyngeus patient who presents with a normal head and neck examination and without sinister otolaryngologic complaints does not benefit from once-daily lansoprazole therapy.