Association of a globus sensation with esophageal diseases

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to clarify the relationship between a globus sensation and esophageal diseases using upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Methods: The study population consisted of 52 consecutive patients (33 men, 19 women, age 46-94 years old) with a globus sensation without laryngeal and hypopharyngeal findings who were referred to the Department of Otolaryngology at Ooshima Prefecture Hospital. The subjects were examined by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Results: Nineteen patients (36.5%) had esophageal disorder, including 10 cases of reflux esophagitis, 5 of esophageal candidiasis, 3 of esophageal cancer. and 1 of herpes and reflux esophagitis. Neither age nor duration of symptoms differed significantly between patients without an esophageal disorder and those with reflux esophagitis or esophageal candidiasis.

Conclusions: The results suggest that examination for esophageal diseases is important in patients with a globus sensation without laryngeal and hypopharyngeal findings.