Globus: are we any nearer to understanding it?

Abstract

Globus is a common functional symptom without a clearly accepted etiology. Upper esophageal sphincter (UES) hypertension and gastroesophageal reflux have been proposed but not confirmed. Kwiatek et al. report a detailed study in globus patients using high-resolution manometry (HRM). The study showed greater respiratory augmentation of UES pressure compared with control groups among two-thirds of globus patients. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and to establish whether they are of etiologic significance.