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Minimally Invasive Murine Laryngoscopy for Close-Up Imaging of Laryngeal Motion During Breathing and Swallowing

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Abnormal swallowing reflex and COPD exacerbations.

Kunihiko Terada¹, Shigeo Muro, Tadashi Ohara

¹Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan.

|September 29, 2009

Summary

Abnormal swallowing reflexes are common in COPD patients and increase their risk of exacerbations. This may be linked to GERD and bacterial infections, highlighting a new area for COPD management.

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Adapting Human Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Methods to Detect and Characterize Dysphagia in Murine Disease Models

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Published on: March 1, 2015

Area of Science:

Pulmonary Medicine
Gastroenterology
Infectious Disease

Background:

The link between abnormal swallowing reflexes and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbations remains unclear.
This study prospectively investigated the prevalence of abnormal swallowing reflexes in COPD patients and their association with exacerbations.
The relationship between abnormal swallowing reflexes, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and airway bacterial colonization was also examined.

Purpose of the Study:

To determine the prevalence of abnormal swallowing reflexes in individuals with stable COPD compared to healthy controls.
To investigate the association between abnormal swallowing reflexes and the frequency of COPD exacerbations.
To explore the relationship between abnormal swallowing reflexes, GERD symptoms, and bacterial colonization in COPD patients.

Main Methods:

Swallowing reflex function and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were assessed in COPD patients and controls.
GERD symptoms were evaluated using a self-reported questionnaire.
Sputum samples were cultured for bacteria, and exacerbations were prospectively recorded over 12 months.

Main Results:

Abnormal swallowing reflexes were significantly more prevalent in COPD patients (22/67) than in controls (1/19).
COPD patients with abnormal swallowing reflexes exhibited higher serum CRP levels, more GERD symptoms, increased isolation of sputum bacteria, and a greater frequency of exacerbations.
Multivariable analysis confirmed that abnormal swallowing reflexes were a significant predictor of frequent exacerbations (≥3 per year).

Conclusions:

Abnormal swallowing reflexes are frequent in COPD patients and are a significant risk factor for exacerbations.
The presence of GERD comorbidity may influence abnormal swallowing reflexes in COPD.
Abnormal swallowing reflexes may contribute to bacterial colonization in the airways of COPD patients.