Role of Barium Swallow in Globus Pharyngeus: An Observational Study

Introduction: Globus pharyngeus is a common condition affecting around 46% of healthy individuals. Most common symptom is feeling of lump in throat. It is a diagnostic challenge and is difficult to treat. Barium swallow is one of the investigations which can rule out organic pathology. It is a safe procedure with rare complications. Aim: To assess the utility of barium swallow in patients with globus like symptoms and normal Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) examination. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was done at a tertiary care hospital in the state of U.P. in India on 100 patients who came to the ENT Out-Patient Department (OPD) with complaints of throat pain, sticking sensation in the throat or a feeling of lump in the throat. Patients were examined clinically which included an indirect laryngoscopy examination. They were advised routine blood investigations and a barium swallow. The association between chief complaints of the study participants i.e., symptoms reported and findings of barium swallow (normaV abnormal) were analysed using cross-tabulations and chisquare test where p-value <0.5 was considered significant. Results: Out of 100 patients, 9 were found to have an abnormal barium swallow. Association between barium swallow and symptoms of lump in throat, pain and sticking sensation was found to be significant. Symptom of burning sensation was not found to be significant. Conclusion: Barium swallow examination proved to be useful in investigating patients with symptoms of globus pharyngeus. It also helped in excluding any life-threatening illness and in reassuring the patient.