Globus pharyngeus: a postal questionnaire survey of UK ENT consultants

Globus pharyngeus is a common complaint often referred to the ENT outpatient department. The precise nature of globus pharyngeus and its aetiology remains something of a mystery. There is no uniform policy of management of this condition. A postal questionnaire was sent to all UK-based ENT consultants registered with the British Association of Otorhinolaryngolgists-Head and Neck Surgeons (BAO-HNS). The aim of this study was to ascertain if there was a favoured management policy by the majority of consultants. Our results indicate that there is a lack of consensus in the investigation and management of globus pharyngeus. Fourteen per cent do not perform any investigations, but would prescribe antacid medication if clinically indicated. The remainder would investigate in a variety of ways. The most common investigation is rigid endoscopy which is performed by 61% of respondents, followed by barium swallow (56%). The combination of endoscopy and barium swallow is routinely performed by 17.5% of respondents.