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What Are Globus and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)?

A persistent sensation of a lump, constriction, or mucus in the throat when there is nothing physically there is called globus in medicine. The most frequent cause of it is Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR). In LPR, stomach contents—including acid and the digestive enzyme pepsin—travel up the oesophagus and into the sensitive tissues of the larynx (voice box) and pharynx (throat). Unlike classic heartburn, LPR often doesn't cause chest pain. Instead, its primary symptoms are throat irritation, a chronic cough, constant throat clearing, hoarseness, and the globus sensation itself. The presence of pepsin in the throat is the key indicator of LPR, as this enzyme causes inflammation and damage to tissues outside the protected environment of the stomach.

PepTest Kit for LPR diagnosis

Is a Reflux Evaluation with PepTest the Right Option for Me?

A comprehensive reflux evaluation featuring the PepTest is ideal for anyone with persistent throat symptoms that lack a clear explanation. It may be the right option for you if you experience:

  • A constant sensation of a lump or mucus in your throat (globus)
  • The disruptive need for frequent throat clearing
  • A chronic, dry, and unexplained cough
  • Hoarseness or a rough quality to your voice, especially in the morning
  • A bitter or acidic taste in the back of your throat
  • Throat symptoms that have not responded to traditional antacid treatments
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Illustration of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux affecting throat

What Are the Benefits of a PepTest Evaluation?

  • Provides a definitive and highly accurate LPR diagnosis
  • Completely non-invasive and painless procedure
  • Simple, convenient saliva collection at home
  • Avoids the need for more invasive or costly tests
  • Directly measures pepsin, the specific cause of LPR damage
  • Guides targeted and effective treatment plans
  • Offers clear, scientific answers for your symptoms
  • Provides objective evidence of reflux activity
  • Empowers you with a concrete diagnosis
  • Fast, reliable, and scientifically validated results

How Is the PepTest Different From Other Diagnostic Methods?

The PepTest represents a significant advancement over older, more invasive diagnostic methods. Unlike 24-hour pH monitoring, which requires a catheter to be placed through the nose down to the oesophagus, the PepTest is a simple saliva test. Crucially, it detects the presence of the enzyme pepsin—the primary agent of tissue damage in LPR—not just acid. This makes it more specific and accurate for diagnosing LPR than simply trialing medication, which amounts to guesswork, or older tests that can easily miss non-acid reflux events.

Does Treatment for LPR Take Long?

Relieving the symptoms of LPR is a gradual process that allows the irritated tissues in your throat to heal. Treatment typically involves a combination of specific dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes to minimise reflux events, and sometimes medication. While improvement is not immediate, having a definitive diagnosis from the PepTest is a critical first step. It ensures you are on the right treatment path from the very beginning, avoiding ineffective therapies and leading to more direct and sustainable relief.

Why Choose Dr. Naveed Basheeth: Excellence in LPR Diagnosis

Dr. Naveed Basheeth is an internationally fellowship-trained ENT surgeon specializing in disorders of the larynx, voice, and throat. He is committed to using the most advanced, evidence-based diagnostic tools, like the PepTest, to accurately identify the underlying cause of his patients' symptoms. Trust Dr. Basheeth to move beyond guesswork and provide a precise, modern diagnosis for your throat-related concerns.

Globus, Reflux & PepTest FAQs

What exactly is pepsin, and why is it bad for my throat?

Is the PepTest difficult to perform?

I don’t get heartburn, so can I still have reflux?

If the test confirms I have LPR, what is the treatment?

What exactly is pepsin, and why is it bad for my throat?

Pepsin is a powerful digestive enzyme produced in the stomach to break down protein in food. While it is essential inside the stomach, it causes inflammation and damage to the delicate, unprotected tissues of the throat and larynx if it travels up through reflux.

Is the PepTest difficult to perform?

Not at all. The test is exceptionally simple and is performed in the comfort of your own home. You will be provided with a collection kit and clear instructions to collect small saliva samples into a tube at specific times.

I don’t get heartburn, so can I still have reflux?

Yes. This is the defining characteristic of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR), which is why it's often called "silent reflux." The primary symptoms are felt in the throat (globus, cough, hoarseness) rather than the classic chest pain or burning associated with heartburn (GERD).

If the test confirms I have LPR, what is the treatment?

Treatment is personalized for you but typically starts with specific dietary and lifestyle modifications designed to reduce reflux. Anti-reflux medications may also be prescribed to decrease stomach acid production, which helps prevent pepsin from being activated and allows your throat to heal.

Book An Appointment Contact Us

Referral Pathway: We provide online consultations within two weeks of referral for out-of-town residents. Relevant investigations, radiological and laboratory, can be undertaken in the patient's city. Private and outsourced referrals can be sent to: admin@entcentral.co.nz (347) 557-8368.

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