Effect of Oral Water Intake to Globus Pharyngeus with Non-Organic Diseases

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Globus pharyngeus is a sensation of foreign body in the throat. There are many studies evaluate relationships between globus pharyngeus and organic diseases such as laryngopharyngeal reflux, esophageal motility disorders as well as psychotic causes. But, Also many patients without etiologic causes complain of globus sensation. The authors performed a study that evaluate association between oral water intake and symptoms of globus sensation on the basis of a belief that pharyngeal dehydration due to lack of oral water intake causes globus sensation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey using visual analogue scale to evaluate symptoms was performed with 73 patients with globus pharyngeus. RESULTS: Patients who drink water less than 500 mL per day (p=0.04) and less than five times per day (p=0.02) were improved after 6 months due to education and doctor's recommendation. CONCLUSION: Frequent and enough water intake should be recommended to resolve symptoms of globus sensation.