Gastroesophageal and Gastropharyngeal Reflux in Patients with Globus and Hoarseness

Park, Chan Won; Choi, Cheol Woong; Kim, Gwang Ha; Kim, Kyung Yeob; Ha, Tae In; Park, Hyoung Yoel; Eum, Jae Sup; Park, Chan Ho; Lee, Sun Mi; Kang, Dae Hwan; Song, Geun Am

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS
Globus pharyngeus and hoarseness are common extraesophageal manifestations in the patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of gastroesophageal and gastropharyngeal reflux in the patients with globus and/or hoarseness.
METHODS
From July 2004 to December 2006, we retrospectively analyzed the medical records and the findings from endoscopy, esophageal manometry and ambulatory 24-hour pH monitoring of patients with symptoms of globus pharyngeus or hoarseness.
RESULTS
One hundred fifty patients (51.7%, 150/290) complained typical reflux symptoms such as heartburn or acid regurgitation. Two hundred thirty-six patients underwent endoscopy. Reflux esophagitis and hiatal hernia were found in 12.2% (29/236) cases and 5.9% (14/236) cases, respectively. Abnormal esophageal motilities were found on 64.8% of patients showed abnormal esophageal motilitiy tests. Ineffective esophageal motility was the most frequent finding. Two hundred sixty-six patients underwent ambulatory 24-hour dual probe pH monitoring. Of them, normal PH monitoring , GERD only, GPRD only and both GERD and GPRD were 34.2% (91/266), 14.3% (38/266), 15.0% (40/266) and 36.5% (97/266), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
In a high proportion of the patients with globus pharygeus and hoarseness, gastroesophageal reflux disease and gastropharyngeal reflux disease were observed.