Globus Pharyngeus: A Symptom of Increased Thyroid or Laryngopharyngeal Reflux?

• Main Authors: Željka Roje, Dubravka Brdar, Sanda Gračan, Ana Bubić, Jadranka Vela, Ante Punda, Sani Penović
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sestre Milosrdnice University hospital, Institute of Clinical Medical Research 2018-01-01
• Series: Acta Clinica Croatica
• Subjects: Laryngopharyngeal reflux; Pharyngeal diseases; Thyroid gland; Ultrasonography; Proton pump inhibitors; Surveys and questionnaires
• Online Access: http://hrcak.srce.hr/file/297433
• ISSN: 0353-9466; 1333-9451

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between globus pharyngeus and laryngopha-ryngeal reflux, as well as between globus and thyroid volume. A two-year prospective study included 56 patients aged 18-75 with globus symptom. Anthropometric, clinical and laboratory data were collected. All patients filled-out the Glasgow Edinburgh Throat Scale (GETS) and then underwent thyroid ultrasound. Morphological changes of the larynx were detected by direct laryngoscopy and classified by the Reflux Finding Score (RFS). If RFS >7, the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux was made and therapy with proton pump inhibitors initiated. According to GETS, there was significant difference between patients with normal volume and those with large thyroid volume. There was no statistically significant difference between patients with RFS <7 and RFS >7. In conclusion, the incidence and severity of globus pharyngeus do not definitely indicate laryngopharyngeal reflux. It is more common in patients with normal thyroid volume.