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Epiglottic dysfunction during deglutition in patients with dysphagia
Archives of Otolaryngology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|June 1, 1983
Summary
Epiglottic dysfunction is common in patients experiencing dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). This condition often co-occurs with other swallowing-related functional abnormalities, impacting overall swallowing safety.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Gastroenterology
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Dysphagia is a prevalent condition affecting patient quality of life.
- The role of epiglottic function in swallowing is critical but not fully elucidated.
- High-speed cineradiography offers detailed insights into laryngeal and pharyngeal biomechanics during deglutition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and nature of epiglottic dysfunction in patients with dysphagia.
- To identify associated functional abnormalities during swallowing.
Main Methods:
- High-speed cineradiography was used to assess swallowing function in 250 patients with dysphagia.
- Detailed analysis of epiglottic movement, including immobility, absence of second movement, and obliquity, was performed.
- Concomitant pharyngeal constrictor paresis and misdirected swallowing were recorded.
Main Results:
- Eighty-three out of 250 patients (33.2%) exhibited epiglottic dysfunction.
- Totally immobile epiglottis was observed in 19 patients, with 11 having pharyngeal constrictor paresis and 16 experiencing misdirected swallowing.
- Absence of the epiglottis's second movement occurred in 53 patients, frequently associated with pharyngeal constrictor paresis (13 patients) and misdirected swallowing (45 patients).
Conclusions:
- Epiglottic dysfunction is a significant finding in patients presenting with dysphagia.
- Swallowing difficulties are often multifactorial, with epiglottic abnormalities frequently coexisting with pharyngeal muscle weakness and aspiration risk.