The Efficacy of Voice Therapy in Globus Pharyngeus

Ahn, Cheol Min

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although globus pharyngeus is a common disorder, the treatment is by and large unsatisfactory because of unreliable diagnosis. When we examine the larynx in patients with this disease, it is easy to observe variations in the structure of larynx, including the posterior laryngitis. Physicians regard these findings as normal variations, however, the hyperkinetic movement of supraglottis will show symptoms of globus pharyngeus. This study examined the outcomes of a voice therapy which induced laryngeal relaxation of the signs and symptoms of globus haryngeus.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
While the control group was treated with antireflux therapy, the experimental group was treated with antireflux therapy as well as with voice therapy for laryngeal relaxation. The outcome showed resolution of the symptoms.
RESULTS
The symptoms responded more greatly to the combined treatment than to the control group. Granularity in the vocal process and the hyperkinetic movement of supraglottis responded to the combined treatment.
CONCLUSION
This study showed that voice therapy is one of the effective treatments for globus pharyngeus.