Anticholinergic medication use is associated with globus pharyngeus. Issue 12 (27th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Haft, S; Carey, R M; Farquhar, D; Mirza, N
• Is Part Of: Journal of laryngology & otology. Volume 130:Issue 12(2016)
• Page Start: 1125
• Page End: 1129
• Publication Date: 2016-10-27
• Subjects: Anticholinergics, -- Globus, -- Drug Side Effects, -- Reflux Symptom Index, -- Sicca, -- Laryngopharyngeal Reflux; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1017/S002221511600918X
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-2151

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Globus pharyngeus has been linked to salivary hypofunction. We hypothesise that a considerable portion of the globus experienced by patients is due to a drying effect secondary to anticholinergic medication use; this study aimed to determine their association. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted of 270 patients who presented to a laryngology practice over 6 months. Participants rated globus sensation on a 5-point severity scale, with those scoring 0 considered as controls (non-globus). Participants were excluded if they had a likely cause of globus. Scores were compared with participants' medication lists, co-morbidities, age and gender, and evaluated using multivariate analysis, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Any participant taking at least 2 anticholinergic medications had a 3.52 increased odds ( p = 0.02) of experiencing globus. A previous diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease was also significantly associated with globus ( p = 0.004), with an odds ratio of 3.75. Conclusion: A substantial portion of idiopathic globus may be due to anticholinergic use or reflux. The findings implicate medication use as a risk factor for globus. An awareness of these associations is invaluable for identifying cause and treating globus.