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A double-blind controlled study of the efficacy of cimetidine in the treatment of the cervical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux.

Globus pharyngeus and post-nasal drip are common patient complaints encountered in general otolaryngologic practice. Although these complaints have been traditionally ascribed to stress and sinusitis respectively, recently it has been suggested that they are secondary to gastroesophageal reflux, either by a direct effect on the pharynx and posterior larynx or by referred sensation along vagal pathways from the lower esophagus. This reflux could alter the motor tone of the laryngoesophagus and contribute to the pathogenesis of dysphonias. If globus and post-nasal drip are secondary to gastroesophageal reflux, then reduction of stomach pH should reduce the frequency and severity of these complaints. To test these hypotheses in a clinical setting, a large population of patients with vocal disorders was analyzed for the incidence of these complaints. Twenty healthy patients with globus and/or postnasal drip were then entered in a double-blind random placebo-controlled study to assay the efficacy of cimetidine in treating these complaints. No significant difference was found between cimetidine and placebo.