The role of proton pump inhibitor in the treatment of laryngopharygneal reflux disease (LPRD) has been advocated, but there has been few reports dealing with large population based on time-related efficacy of rabeprazole. It was designed to assess the efficacy of rabeprazole and to evaluate which symptoms or findings varied significantly as medication sustained. Multiorgan, open-label cohort, prospective observational study was designed. We identified 1,142 patients with LPRD, and enrolled 455 patients, who participated fully in this survey and follow-up observation for 12 weeks. Reflux symptom index (RSI) and reflux finding score (RFS) were used to evaluate therapeutic efficacy. These parameters were evaluated at the 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks, respectively. Valid rate was used to explain improved proportion of patients after medication. The most common symptom was a globus sense in the throat. Posterior commissure hypertrophy was the most frequently encountered laryngoscopic finding. Female patients complained of heartburn and chest pain more than did male patients (P < 0.001), whereas male patients showed ventricular obliteration and erythematous changes more frequently than did female patients (P < 0.001). By RSI evaluation, scores gradually declined. Each item of the RSI improved at every visit (P < 0.001). Total RFS decreased progressively for 12 weeks and similar results were seen when every RFS item was individually examined. The proportion of patients who showed RSI and RFS falling by more than 50% after medication increased gradually as follow-up continued. This trend seemed to be significant (P < 0.001). Side effects of therapy were minimal. Despite the some constraints of an observational study, rabeprazole appeared to improve LPRD symptoms and signs. Prolonged medication at least 3 months may be beneficial to LPRD patients. Long-term medication effects require further evaluation.

Several thyroid disorders can cause compressive symptoms and hoarseness. Superior and/or recurrent laryngeal nerve injury during thyroidectomy is the main cause of various pharyngolaryngeal symptoms. However, other pharyngolaryngeal symptoms that arise following thyroidectomy in the absence of nerve injury, a condition known as postthyroidectomy syndrome, are becoming more common.

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A globus sensation is one of the most common complaints in otolaryngologic clinics, and laryngopharyngeal reflux is the most common cause. However, thyroid nodules also can cause globus symptoms. The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of thyroid nodules that cause globus. We selected patients prospectively with a single thyroid nodule on ultrasonograms. Patients with other causes of globus symptoms were excluded using questionnaires, fiber optic laryngoscopic examinations, and a psychiatric screening tool. In total, 175 patients were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups according to globus symptoms. Ultrasonographic characteristics and clinicopathological parameters were compared between the groups. Among various clinicopathologic and ultrasonographic parameters, size and horizontal location of the thyroid nodule showed significant differences between the groups. Nodules larger than 3 cm and those located anterior to the trachea had a tendency to cause globus symptoms. Regarding horizontal location, nodules that all parts were located anterior to the trachea showed a higher tendency to cause globus symptoms than nodules that only some parts were located anterior to the trachea. In conclusion, thyroid nodules with specific size and location can cause globus symptoms, and this finding can be indicated in patient counseling. Also, conservative treatments or thyroidectomy may be helpful in relieving patients' globus symptoms.