Subjective Changes of Taste and Smell in Conjunction With Anxiety and Depression Are Associated With Symptoms in Globus Patients Without Evidence of Pathologic Acid Reflux

Background/Aim: Patients suffering from globus often report decreased enjoyment when eating as well as a psychological abnormality. Some patients exhibit taste and smell changes (TSCs) when compared with the period before the diagnosis. The main aim of this study was to explore if TSCs and psychological abnormality are present in patients with globus, whether they are associated with the severity of throat symptoms, and the potential risk factors for globus. Patients and Methods: A total of 116 included patients who met the Rome IV diagnostic criteria for globus had been performed 24-hour pH monitoring, and the results shown no evidence of pathologic acid reflux. Meanwhile, 125 healthy controls were enrolled in this prospective study. All subjects completed several questionnaires including the Taste and Smell Survey, the Glasgow Edinburgh Throat Scale, the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). Multiple logistic regression was performed to explore the potential risk factors for globus. The study protocol was registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR-2100044972). Results: First, globus patients without evidence of pathologic acid reflux exhibited a 58.62% and 31.03% change in taste and smell, respectively, while their levels of anxiety and depression were 51.72% and 44.83%, respectively. Second, there was a significant difference in the taste score (Z=−4.954, P
Source: Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology - Category: Gastroenterology Tags: Alimentary Tract: Original Articles Source Type: research