Analysis of Sex-related Differences in Patients with Dysphagia: Using a Videofluoroscopy

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Dysphagia, a common swallowing disorder, has diverse causes.
• While healthy swallowing differences between sexes are known, symptomatic dysphagia sex discrepancies are understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare videofluoroscopic swallowing performance between men and women with dysphagia.

Main Methods:

• Videofluoroscopy was used to assess swallowing performance in 203 dysphagia patients (106 men, 97 women).
• Patient complaints and videofluoroscopic findings were analyzed for sex-based differences.

Main Results:

• Men reported more choking on liquids and pills compared to women.
• Men exhibited significantly more pharyngeal phase abnormalities and upper esophageal sphincter issues.
• Higher prevalence of aspiration, penetration, and residue in the hypopharynx and vallecula were observed in men.

Conclusions:

• Women with dysphagia present with fewer subjective symptoms and better videofluoroscopic performance, particularly in the pharyngeal phase.
• Anatomical and functional sex-based differences likely contribute to these observed discrepancies.
• Understanding these differences can guide tailored dysphagia treatment strategies.