Globus pharyngeus: effectiveness of treatment with proton pump inhibitors and gabapentin

Abstract

Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the effectiveness of treatment of globus pharyngeus with proton pump inhibitors, gabapentin, or both.

Methods: The subjects all presented with globus pharyngeus during the years 2006 to 2011. The inclusion criteria included a chief (primary) complaint of globus pharyngeus; a trial of proton pump inhibitor therapy for at least 2 months and/or a trial of gabapentin for at least 2 weeks; and at least 1 follow-up visit. We reviewed 331 charts; 87 patients met the criteria. The response to treatment was graded as none, partial, or complete.

Results: Seventy-seven percent of all patients had improvement. Sixty-seven percent of patients had a partial or complete response from aggressive reflux management. Sixty-six percent of patients who had a trial of gabapentin reported improvement. Eight of 14 patients who did not improve with aggressive reflux management improved with gabapentin.

Conclusions: A majority of patients with globus pharyngeus can be helped by treating reflux or neuralgia. A trial of gabapentin should be considered for patients who do not respond or only partially respond to reflux management.