A Case of Globus Pharyngis in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Successfully Treated with Seinetsuhoketsuto

Abstract

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause not only esophageal symptoms, but also extraesophageal symptoms such as globus pharyngis. Here, we describe a case of globus pharyngis in GERD successfully treated with seinetsuhoketsuto. A 72-year-old female began to have tingling in her pharyngolarynx in February 20XX. Otolaryngologist did not point out abnormal findings. However, reflux esophagitis was detected by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Although treatment with rabeprazole relieved the tingling, she experienced a relapse in September 20XX and visited our clinic in November. We prescribed seinetsuhoketsuto because she exhibited numerous blood deficiency-related symptoms including dryness of the skin and eyes, shallow sleep, coldness in the feet, etc. The tingling then decreased rapidly and disappeared in two months. In addition, dryness of the skin and eyes and her sleep also improved markedly. Seinetsuhoketsuto has been regarded as a medication for inflammation in the mouth such as oral ulcers and erosions. However, this case indicated that seinetsuhoketsuto could also be utilized to treat symptoms in the pharyngolarynx due to GERD.