Abstract
Objectives This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence of self-reported and clinically screened swallowing dysfunction (dysphagia) in COPD patients with severe exacerbations and to identify any associated factors. Findings were then compared to a control group.
Methods Participants included 30 patients hospitalized due to a COPD exacerbation. The control group consisted of 30 adults hospitalized with acute cardiac symptoms. Data were derived from spirometry, the 150mL timed water swallow test, a cookie swallow test and a dyspnea questionnaire (mMRC). Scores from the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) were calculated to assess patient perception of swallowing dysfunction.
Results Self-reported swallowing dysfunction and clinical signs thereof was more common in COPD patients than in the control group (67% versus 23% and 80% versus 37%, respectively, p≤0.001). Clinical signs of swallowing dysfunction in the AECOPD group were associated with self-reported swallowing dysfunction (p=0.02) and xerostomia (p=0.04). Dyspnea (MRC≥2) was more common among the COPD patients (90% versus 47%, p<0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between lung function and self-reported dysphagia (r=−0.39, p=0.03), but not between lung function and clinically screened dysphagia (r=−0.23, p=0.21).
Conclusion COPD patients hospitalized with an acute exacerbation experienced significantly more self-reported and clinically screened swallowing dysfunction compared to a control group of patients with cardiac symptoms. Both patient groups experienced dyspnea, but it was twice as common in the AECOPD group. Both groups also experienced xerostomia.
Footnotes
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Conflict of interest: Mrs Gonzalez Lindh has nothing to disclose.<CE: please check coi of ‘Gonzalez Lindh’>
Conflict of interest: Dr. Janson has nothing to disclose.
Conflict of interest: Dr. Blom Johansson has nothing to disclose.
Conflict of interest: Ms Jonsson has nothing to disclose.
Conflict of interest: Ms Mälberg has nothing to disclose.
Conflict of interest: Ms Allansson has nothing to disclose.
Conflict of interest: Ms Holm has nothing to disclose.
Conflict of interest: Dr. Jennsiche has nothing to disclose.
Conflict of interest: Dr. Koyi has nothing to disclose.
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- Received January 19, 2021.
- Accepted March 31, 2021.
- Copyright ©The authors 2021
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