Management of globus pharyngeus.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Globus pharyngeus is a prevalent condition encountered in Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) practice.
• The exact cause of globus remains elusive, but gastroesophageal reflux is frequently implicated by clinicians.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current evidence regarding globus pharyngeus.
• To provide a rational management approach for patients presenting with globus symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing evidence on globus pharyngeus.
• Analysis of clinical management strategies.

Main Results:

• The efficacy of proton pump inhibitors, commonly used for reflux, lacks strong supporting evidence in globus management.
• Simple outpatient investigations are often sufficient for diagnosis and management.
• Reassurance and conservative management are frequently adequate, given the benign nature of the condition.

Conclusions:

• Extensive investigations like oesophagoscopy or contrast swallows may not be necessary for most globus patients.
• The hypothesis of pepsin-induced laryngeal injury warrants further investigation.
• More research is crucial to elucidate the underlying aetiology of globus pharyngeus.