Chewing ability and desaturation during chewing in patients with COPD

Area of Science:

• Respiratory Medicine
• Oral Health
• Gerontology

Background:

• Chewing ability is vital for nutrition and linked to oral health, sarcopenia, and lung function.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can significantly affect overall health, including oral function.
• Understanding chewing capacity in COPD patients is crucial for comprehensive care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate chewing ability in patients with COPD.
• To assess the degree of arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) changes during chewing in COPD patients.
• To identify risk factors associated with poor chewing and desaturation in COPD.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving 41 COPD patients and 22 controls.
• Chewing ability assessed using color-changing gum, scored 1 (poor) to 5 (good).
• SpO2 monitored via pulse oximetry before and during 1-minute gum chewing.

Main Results:

• COPD patients had significantly lower chewing ability scores (3.1) compared to controls (4.2).
• Poor chewing was linked to muscle mass loss, fewer than 20 remaining teeth, and COPD itself.
• Mean SpO2 decreased during chewing, with greater reductions in COPD patients with fewer teeth.

Conclusions:

• COPD patients exhibit impaired chewing ability and increased desaturation during mastication.
• Reduced dentition is a significant risk factor for poor chewing and greater SpO2 drop in COPD.
• Chewing function assessment may be valuable in managing COPD patients, particularly regarding nutritional status and respiratory compromise.