Globus

Abstract

Globus is an area of interest for many medical specialists including otorhinolaryngologists, gastroenterologist, allergists, and psychiatrists. It may be caused by an organic disease, but it is not uncommon that an underlying etiology remains unidentified even after a full workup has been performed. Patients who suffer from globus usually visit several physicians from different specialties without finding a solution for their symptoms. Identifying the underlying cause of globus is not always a simple task; therefore, structural or functional abnormalities of the thyroid, larynx, pharynx, and esophagus should be investigated. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is commonly considered to be the underlying cause after being identified in an otorhinolarygeal (ear, nose, and throat) evaluation, which is usually the first diagnostic step. In the last few years, an inlet patch in the proximal esophagus has been shown to be associated with globus, and its elimination has resulted in symptom resolution in some patients. Finally, globus can be associated with psychiatric disorders as well as oropharyngeal hypersensitivity that could be either chemical or mechanical. Treatment is directed toward an identified organic cause; in those with a functional disorder, the mainstay of therapy includes neuromodulators and psychiatric/psychological interventions.

Subjective Changes of Taste and Smell in Conjunction With Anxiety and Depression Are Associated With Symptoms in Globus Patients Without Evidence of Pathologic Acid Reflux

“…According to the Rome IV consensus criteria, globus is defined as a functional gastrointestinal disorder, and its prevalence ranges from 0.1% to 21.0% of the population, depending on the study population and the definition used. 3 The main aim of the present study was to assess changes in TSCs and psychosocial state of globus patients who had no evidence of pathologic acid reflux and elucidate the relationship among TSCs, psychological comorbidity, and globus symptoms. Our results indicated that this group of patients had prevalent psychological comorbidities and TSCs.…”

“…However, functional globus should also be considered in instances where there is no evidence of GERD or major esophageal motor disorders. This means that functional globus is suspected in a significant subset of patients with globus in whom structural or functional abnormality cannot be found 3. Thompson and Heaton4 reported that 45.6% of the general population had experienced a globus sensation at some time in their lives after conducting a community-based study involving <150 subjects.…”

“…This means that functional globus is suspected in a significant subset of patients with globus in whom structural or functional abnormality cannot be found. 3 Thompson and Heaton 4 reported that 45.6% of the general population had experienced a globus sensation at some time in their lives after conducting a community-based study involving < 150 subjects. In contrast, Deary et al 5 reported that 6% of a study group of 1158 individuals described a persistent feeling of something stuck in the throat for a duration of at least 3 months.…”

Globus Pharyngeus: Etiology, Diagnostics and Treatment

“…Bu sebeple, psikiyatri literatüründeki terminoloji "globus histericus" iken, KBB ve gastroenteroloji literatüründe sıklıkla "globus farengeus" terimi kullanılmaktadır. 9…”