phenylephrine-hydrochloride and Deglutition-Disorders

Topics: Abnormalities, Multiple; Adult; Child, Preschool; Craniofacial Dysostosis; Deglutition Disorders; Ear; Face; Female; Humans; Hypertelorism; Hypospadias; Male; Micrognathism; Nose

Although office-based transnasal esophagoscopy has been investigated extensively, a cost analysis is still lacking. We performed a cost analysis combined with feasibility study for two diagnostic processes: patients with globus pharyngeus and/or dysphagia, and hypopharyngeal carcinoma.. Prospective cohort study.. Forty-one procedures were performed, of which 35 were fully completed. The procedure was well tolerated with mild complaints such as nasal or pharyngeal pain and burping. Four complications occurred: two minor epistaxis and two vasovagal reactions. In patients with globus pharyngeus and/or dysphagia, transnasal esophagoscopy resulted in a cost saving of €94.43 (p 0.026) per procedure, compared to our regular diagnostic process. In patients with suspicion of hypopharyngeal carcinoma, cost savings were €831.41 (p 0.000) per case.. Cost analysis showed that office-based transnasal esophagoscopy can provide significant cost savings for the current standard of care. Furthermore, this procedure resulted in good patient acceptability and few complications.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ambulatory Care; Cost Savings; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Deglutition Disorders; Esophagoscopy; Feasibility Studies; Female; Health Care Costs; Humans; Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Netherlands; Nose; Pharyngeal Diseases; Prospective Studies

Objections to the use of topical nasal anesthesia (TNA) during fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) with sensory testing (FEESST) have been raised, primarily because of the possibility of desensitizing the pharyngeal and laryngeal mucosa and affecting both the sensory and motor aspects of the swallow. Furthermore, it has been suggested that TNA is not necessary during FEES as it does not improve patient comfort or make the procedure easier for the endoscopist. The purpose of this double-blind, randomized, controlled, crossover clinical trial was to determine how gel TNA during flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing with sensory testing affects sensation, swallowing, and comfort rating scores in healthy non-dysphagic participants. Laryngopharyngeal sensory thresholds and swallowing durations were compared between two conditions: TNA and sham. Transition duration decreased statistically significantly during the TNA condition compared to the sham for 10 ml only (p < 0.05). All other swallowing measures did not change between the conditions. Laryngopharyngeal sensory thresholds and perceptions did not change between conditions. No change was observed for subject comfort scores, ease of exam, or quality of view. Future studies should evaluate TNA administration variables, including concentration, dosage amount, and method of application, to determine the optimal strategy for providing comfort while avoiding altered swallowing.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adolescent; Adult; Anesthetics; Deglutition; Deglutition Disorders; Double-Blind Method; Endoscopy; Female; Fiber Optic Technology; Humans; Male; Nose; Sensory Thresholds; Young Adult

The aim of our study was to investigate the presence of dysphagia in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) and to correlate swallowing impairment with hypnologic and anatomic parameters.. The study population includes 36 patients suffering from OSA. Patients were divided into two groups using the presence of dysphagia as a distinctive parameter. Group 1 included 27 OSA patients without signs of dysphagia and Group 2 included 9 OSA patients with signs of dysphagia.. The age of patients in Group 2 was higher compared with the age of patients in Group 1. Analysis of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), obtained in the titration phase, showed that OSA patients with signs of dysphagia required a higher level of CPAP pressure than those who were not affected by swallowing abnormalities (12.6 ± 1. In clinical practice, all OSA patients should undergo a complete ENT exam, including assessment of swallowing, before CPAP therapy is started. This may predict the need for higher CPAP pressure settings to resolve apnoea episodes in the presence of dysphagia as well as guide the choice of CPAP interfaces (orofacial vs. nasal) in these patients.. Disfagia e OSA.. Il nostro studio ha avuto come obiettivo la ricerca nei pazienti OSA di evidenze di disfagia e l’associazione della presenza di disfagia alla anatomia delle prime vie aero-digestive e ai parametri ipnologici ed emogasanalitici di questi pazienti.. Tutti i pazienti sono stati sottoposti a emogasanalisi, spirometria, rinomanometria, videofibrorinolaringoscopia, valutazione fibroendoscopica della deglutizione (FEES), polisonnografia notturna, studio di titolazione della pressione di lavoro di CPAP, somministrazione del questionario “SWAL-QOL”.. Il 25% della popolazione studiata ha presentato segni subclinici di disfagia. Il gruppo dei pazienti non disfagici era formato da soggetti più giovani rispetto al gruppo dei pazienti disfagici. Il distretto orofaringeo è risultato essere il sito di ostruzione più frequente per entrambi i gruppi. Nello studio di titolazione della pressione di lavoro di CPAP, i pazienti disfagici necessitano di valori di pressione più alti.. Un paziente OSA su 4 ha presentato segni di disfagia. La disfagia è associata a valori più elevati di pressione allo studio di titolazione della CPAP. I pazienti OSA hanno un rischio più elevato di presentare disturbi di deglutizione con l’avanzare dell’età rispetto alla popolazione generale.

Topics: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; Deglutition; Deglutition Disorders; Humans; Nose; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive

Children with encephalopathy are at increased risk of swallowing disorders with aspirations, food blockages, difficulties, and stress during meals. Serious consequences may result, such as recurrent lung infections and failure to thrive. The ENT or phoniatric examination includes the evaluation of food bolus management, possible drooling, and swallowing safety. This article explains the role of the ENT in the management of these children, with a description of the examinations to be carried out for a global evaluation of swallowing and aspirations and the treatments proposed for a better management of food intake by mouth and chronic drooling.. Les enfants avec encéphalopathie sont davantage à risque de présenter des troubles de la déglutition avec fausses routes, blocages alimentaires, difficultés et stress pendant les repas. Des conséquences graves peuvent en résulter, telles que des infections pulmonaires répétitives et un défaut de croissance staturo-pondérale. L’examen ORL ou phoniatrique comporte l’évaluation de la gestion du bol alimentaire, d’un éventuel bavage et de la sécurité de la déglutition. Cet article explique le rôle de l’ORL dans la prise en charge de ces enfants, avec une description des examens à effectuer pour une évaluation globale de la déglutition et des fausses routes ainsi que les traitements proposés pour une meilleure gestion de la prise alimentaire par la bouche et du bavage chronique.

Topics: Allergens; Brain Diseases; Child; Deglutition Disorders; Humans; Nose; Pharynx

The purpose of the study is to describe experiences of swallowing with two forms of noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NPPV): mouthpiece NPPV (M-NPPV) and nasal bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP) in people with muscular dystrophy. Ten men (ages 22-42 years; M = 29.3; SD = 7.1) with muscular dystrophy (9 with Duchenne's; 1 with Becker's) completed the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10; Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 117(12):919-924 [33]) and took part in semi-structured interviews. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and verified. Phenomenological qualitative research methods were used to code (Dedoose.com) and develop themes. All participants affirmed dysphagia symptoms via responses on the EAT-10 (M = 11.3; SD = 6.38; Range = 3-22) and reported eating and drinking with M-NPPV and, to a lesser extent, nasal BPAP. Analysis of interview data revealed three primary themes: (1) M-NPPV improves the eating/drinking experience: Most indicated that using M-NPPV reduced swallowing-related dyspnea. (2) NPPV affects breathing-swallowing coordination: Participants described challenges and compensations in coordinating swallowing with ventilator-delivered inspirations, and that the time needed to chew solid foods between ventilator breaths may lead to dyspnea and fatigue. (3) M-NPPV aids cough effectiveness: Participants described improved cough strength following large M-NPPV delivered inspirations (with or without breath stacking). Although breathing-swallowing coordination is challenging with NPPV, participants reported that eating and drinking is more comfortable than when not using it. Overall, eating and drinking with NPPV delivered via a mouthpiece is preferred and is likely safer for swallowing than with nasal BPAP. M-NPPV (but not nasal BPAP) is reported to improve cough effectiveness, an important pulmonary defense in this population.

Topics: Adult; Cannula; Deglutition; Deglutition Disorders; Humans; Male; Mouth; Muscular Dystrophies; Noninvasive Ventilation; Nose; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Positive-Pressure Respiration; Qualitative Research; Young Adult

The aim of this study was to evaluate the current indications for and clinical factors influencing the use of transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE).. An online survey was sent to American Broncho-Esophagological Association members, including questions on demographics, indications, and factors influencing the use of TNE.. Sixty of 251 members (24%) completed the survey. Ninety-three percent of respondents reported academic practices, while 98% practice in medium to large urban settings. Thirty-five (58%) completed laryngology fellowships. Mean monthly TNE procedure count was 7.15 (range, <1-35). The most common indications were dysphagia (82%), biopsy (50%), and laryngopharyngeal reflux (47%). Chronic cough, head and neck cancer screening, gastroesophageal reflux (GER), and tracheoesophageal puncture were also commonly reported indications (44% each). For laryngopharyngeal reflux and GER, most respondents perform TNE for recalcitrant disease following a medical trial of at least 3 months. Long-standing GER symptoms, documentation of GER on pH and impedance testing, and abnormal findings on previous esophagoscopy lead to greater TNE use. Specific dysphagia indications included abnormal esophagographic findings (70%), history or examination localizing to the esophagus (60%), solid dysphagia only (53%), and solid and/or liquid dysphagia (40%). The primary sites most likely to prompt TNE use for head and neck cancer surveillance were the esophagus (92.3%) and hypopharynx (84.6%). Balloon dilation was the most common indication for which respondents do not currently perform TNE but would like to (n = 8).. TNE indications have not been well established. According to respondents from the American Broncho-Esophagological Association, TNE is most commonly used for dysphagia and laryngopharyngeal reflux and slightly less so for GER and head and neck cancer screening and surveillance. Several clinical indicators were identified that influence the decision to perform TNE.

Topics: Adult; Ambulatory Care; Biopsy; Deglutition Disorders; Early Detection of Cancer; Esophagoscopy; Female; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Health Care Surveys; Humans; Laryngopharyngeal Reflux; Male; Middle Aged; Nose; United States

Introduction Transnasal oesophagoscopy is a relatively new method of examining the upper aerodigestive tract via the nasal passage as an outpatient procedure without the need for sedation. It has been shown to be a well tolerated, safe and accurate technique, that can therefore be used in the investigation of patients thought to have globus pharyngeus and other non sinister causes of dysphagia. Methods A total of 150 consecutive patients undergoing transnasal oesophagoscopy were analysed retrospectively. Results The main indications for this procedure were non-progressive dysphagia (n=68, 45%) and globus pharyngeus (n=60, 40%). Transnasal oesophagoscopy was normal in 65% of patients and 42% of patients were discharged from clinic at the same appointment with no further investigation. The most common positive findings were laryngeal erythema (13%) and oesophagitis (10%). Conclusions Transnasal oesophagoscopy is a useful adjunct to the management of patients with the symptoms of globus pharyngeus and non-progressive dysphagia.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Deglutition Disorders; Disease Management; Disease Progression; Esophagoscopy; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nose; Reproducibility of Results; Retrospective Studies

We conducted a prospective, descriptive study of 27 individuals with known or suspected dysphagia to investigate the relationship between swallowing frequency, accumulated oropharyngeal secretion levels, and gustatory stimulation. Assessment of the secretion level was quantified with the use of a previously published 5-point rating scale using endoscopy. Overall, we found a moderate relationship between the baseline swallowing frequency at rest and the accumulated oropharyngeal secretion level (Pearson correlation 0.470; p = 0.01). The study sample was divided into two groups based on their secretion level. Group 1 (n = 19; mean age 59.7 ± 21.5 years) included patients whose accumulated oropharyngeal secretion level was rated as 1 (normal) or 2 (mild). Group 2 (n = 8; mean age 69.78 ± 8.35 years) included patients whose accumulated oropharyngeal secretion level was rated as 4 (severe) or 5 (profound). For Group 1, swallowing frequency increased from a baseline of 1.05 to 5.26 swallows over 2 minutes, following gustatory stimulation; for Group 2 it increased from a baseline of 0.125 swallows to 3.5 swallows. These results indicate that individuals with a lower baseline swallowing frequency at rest demonstrated a higher accumulated oropharyngeal secretion level as viewed by nasal endoscopy and that, regardless of secretion level, gustatory stimulation was effective at increasing swallowing frequency. Increasing swallowing frequency may be a functional dysphagia treatment objective in efforts to improve the efficiency of the swallow and may offer better management of accumulated oropharyngeal secretions.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Deglutition; Deglutition Disorders; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery; Nose; Oropharynx; Physical Stimulation; Prospective Studies; Rest; Taste; Time Factors

Oro-pharyngeal dysphagia is frequently present during the acute phase of stroke. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the recording of surface EMG using a nasopharyngeal (NP) electrode could be applied to evaluation of pharyngeal muscle activity in acute stroke patients and if this neurophysiological measure is related with clinical assessment of swallowing. Patients were examined and clinical severity was assessed with the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score; dysphagia was evaluated through bedside screening test using the Gugging Swallowing Scale (GUSS). Extension of the ischaemic lesion was measured by quantitative score, based on CT scan [Alberta Stroke Programme Early CT Score (ASPECTS)]. We analysed 70 patients; 50 were classified as dysphagic (Dys+), and 20 as non-dysphagic (Dys-). Each participant underwent a surface NP EMG recording performed with a NP electrode, made of a Teflon isolated steel catheter, with a length of 16 cm and a tip diameter of 1.5 mm. The electrode was inserted through the nasal cavity, rotated and positioned approximately 3 mm anteroinferior to the salpingo-palatine fold. At least four consecutive swallowing-induced EMG bursts were recorded and analysed for each participant. Swallowing always induced a repetitive, polyphasic burst of activation of the EMG, lasting around 0.25 to 1 sec, with an amplitude of around 100-600mV. Two parameters of the EMG potentials recorded with the NP electrode were analyzed: duration and amplitude. The duration of the EMG burst was increased in Dys+ patients with a statistically significant difference compared to Dys- patients (p < 0.001). The amplitude was slightly reduced in the Dys+ group, but statistically significant differences were not observed (p = 0,775). Nevertheless, the burst amplitude showed a significant inverse correlation with NIHSS [r(48) = -0.31; p < 0.05] and ASPECTS scores [r(48) = -0.27; p < 0.05], meaning that the burst amplitude progressively reduced with an increase of clinical severity (NIHSS) and topographic extension of brain lesions in CT (ASPECTS). These results suggest that NP recordings can give a semi-quantitative measure of swallowing difficulties originating from pharyngeal dysfunction, in fact, electromyographic findings suggest reduced pharyngeal motility.. La disfagia orofaringea è spesso presente durante la fase acuta di un ictus. Lo scopo di questo lavoro è stato quello di valutare se la registrazione elettromiografica di superficie tramite un elettrodo nasofaringeo può essere impiegata per testare l’attività muscolare del faringe nei pazienti con ictus acuto e se queste misurazioni elettrofisiologiche possono essere correlate con la valutazione clinica della deglutizione. Dal punto di vista clinico la severità del quadro è stata valutata mediante l’utilizzo della scala del National Institute of Health Stroke (NIHSS); la disfagia è stata valutata mediante il test di screening Gugging Swallowing Scale (GUSS); l’estensione della lesione ischemica alla TAC è stata misurata attraverso l’Alberta Stroke Programme Early CT Score (ASPECTS). Abbiamo valutato 70 pazienti di cui 50 disfagici (Dys+), e 20 non disfagici (Dys–). Ciascun partecipante è stato sottoposto a un’elettromiografia di superficie registrata mediante un elettrodo NP costituito da un catetere di Teflon isolato in acciaio (lungo 16 cm e con un diametro in punta di 1,5 mm). L’elettrodo è stato inserito attraverso la cavità nasale, ruotato e posizionato approssimativamente 3 mm antero-inferiormente rispetto alla volta salpingo-palatina. Per ogni partecipante sono state registrate ed analizzate le risposte elettromiografiche di almeno quattro deglutizioni volontarie ripetute. La deglutizione induce sempre all’elettromiografia burst ripetitivi e polifasici di durata compresa fra 0,25 e 1 secondo, con un’ampiezza intorno ai 100-600mV. I disfagici hanno mostrano una maggiore durata del burst rilevato all’elettromiografia rispetto ai non disfagici, con una differenza statisticamente significativa (p < 0,001), ma non hanno mostrano differenze in termini di ampiezza del burst stesso (p = 0,775); quest’ultima invece era inversamente correlata con lo NIHSS score [r(48) = –0,31; p < 0,05)] e con lo ASPECTS score [r(48) = –0,27; p < 0,05]. Questi risultati suggeriscono che le registrazioni nasofaringee possono rappresentare un indice semi-quantitativo delle difficoltà deglutitorie secondarie a disfunzione faringea ed in particolare, i risultati dell’elettromiografia sarebbero indicativi di una ridotta motilità faringea durante la fase acuta di un ictus.

Topics: Aged; Brain Ischemia; Deglutition Disorders; Electromyography; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nose; Pharyngeal Muscles; Pharynx; Prospective Studies; Stroke

Aspiration pneumonia (AP) is caused by dysfunctional swallowing resulting in aspiration of material colonized by respiratory pathogens. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the swallowing physiology, health status, oral health status, and oral/nasal microbiota in frail older patients (FOP) with oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) and a control group.. We studied 47 FOP (>70 year) with OD by videofluoroscopy (17 with acute pneumonia -APN-, 15 with prior pneumonia-PNP- and 15 without) and 14 older controls without OD (H). Oral/nasal colonization by five respiratory pathogens was evaluated by qPCR, whereas commensal microbiota composition was assessed by pyrosequencing.. (i) Frail older patients with OD presented similar comorbidities, poor functionality, polymedication, and prevalent videofluoroscopic signs of impaired safety of swallow (33.3-61.5%). However, patients with OD-APN also presented malnutrition, delayed laryngeal vestibule closure (409.23 ± 115.6 ms; p < 0.05), and silent aspirations (15.6%). (ii) Oral health was poor in all groups, 90% presented periodontitis and 72%, caries. (iii) Total bacterial load was similar in all groups, but higher in the oropharynx (>10(8) CFU/mL) than in the nose (<10(6) CFU/mL) (p < 0.0001). Colonization by respiratory pathogens was very high: 93% in OD patients (p < 0.05 vs H); 93% in OD-PNP (p < 0.05 vs H); 88% in OD-APN (p = 0.07 vs H), and lower in controls (67%).. Frail older patients with OD had impaired health status, poor oral health, high oral bacterial load, and prevalence of oral colonization by respiratory pathogens and VFS signs of impaired safety of swallow, and were therefore at risk for contracting AP.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Deglutition Disorders; Female; Frail Elderly; Humans; Male; Mouth; Nose; Pneumonia, Aspiration; Prevalence

The introducer method of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) minimizes procedure-related peristomal infection. Ultrathin transnasal endoscopy (UTE) allows comfortable endoscopic examination of patients with fewer adverse effects and passage of the endoscope through a narrow esophagus or oropharynx. This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes for the introducer method of PEG with UTE.. Patients who underwent the introducer method of PEG with UTE between March 2009 and May 2012 were analyzed. The outcomes and complications of the patients within 180 days after gastrostomy placement were investigated.. During the study period, 92 patients (31.9 % male; age, 67.7 ± 16.6 years) underwent the introducer method of PEG with UTE. The major indications for PEG insertion were stroke (40.4 %), esophageal cancer or head and neck cancer (27.1 %), and neurologic disorder (14.9 %). Esophageal stenosis was identified by endoscopy or imaging in 14 patients before PEG. In all the patients, UTE was successfully introduced through the nasal cavity. In 90 (97.8 %) of the 92 patients, PEG was successfully inserted. Insertion of the endoscope into the stomach was impossible in two patients because head and neck cancer caused severe narrowing of the upper esophagus. No procedure-related peristomal infection, gastric contents leakage, or bleeding occurred within 30 days after gastrostomy placement. In eight patients (8.7 %), catheter displacement occurred within 30 days. Catheter displacement in 44 patients (47.8 %) and gastric contents leakage in eight patients (9 %) occurred within 30-180 days after gastrostomy placement.. Introducer PEG with UTE is a useful method for gastrostomy placement with a high success rate. This technique allows procedure-related complications to be avoided and permits the use of endoscopy in patients with narrow esophagi or oropharynges. However, the long-term durability of the balloon-type catheter is questionable.

Topics: Aged; Deglutition Disorders; Equipment Design; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Gastrostomy; Humans; Male; Miniaturization; Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery; Nose; Retrospective Studies

Endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (EES) is not commonly used by gastroenterologists to evaluate swallowing in patients with dysphagia.. To use transnasal endoscopy to identify factors predicting successful or failed swallowing of pureed foods in elderly patients with dysphagia.. EES of pureed foods was performed by a gastroenterologist using a small-calibre transnasal endoscope. Factors related to successful versus unsuccessful swallowing of pureed foods were analyzed with regard to age, comorbid diseases, swallowing activity, saliva pooling, vallecular residues, pharyngeal residues and airway penetration⁄aspiration. Unsuccessful swallowing was defined in patients who could not eat pureed foods at bedside during hospitalization. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of swallowing of pureed foods.. During a six-year period, 458 consecutive patients (mean age 80 years [range 39 to 97 years]) were considered for the study, including 285 (62%) men. Saliva pooling, vallecular residues, pharyngeal residues and penetration⁄aspiration were found in 240 (52%), 73 (16%), 226 (49%) and 232 patients (51%), respectively. Overall, 247 patients (54%) failed to swallow pureed foods. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the presence of pharyngeal residues (OR 6.0) and saliva pooling (OR 4.6) occurred significantly more frequently in patients who failed to swallow pureed foods.. Pharyngeal residues and saliva pooling predicted impaired swallowing of pureed foods. Transnasal EES performed by a gastroenterologist provided a unique bedside method of assessing the ability to swallow pureed foods in elderly patients with dysphagia.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Comorbidity; Deglutition; Deglutition Disorders; Endoscopes; Endoscopy; Epiglottis; Equipment Design; Female; Food, Formulated; Gastroenterology; Glottis; Humans; Larynx; Male; Middle Aged; Nose; Pharynx; Point-of-Care Systems; Respiratory Aspiration; Retrospective Studies; Saliva; Speech-Language Pathology; Tongue; Trachea; Video Recording; Vocal Cords

Dysphagia assessment involves diagnosis of individual swallows in terms of the depth of airway invasion and degree of bolus clearance. The videofluoroscopic swallowing study is the current gold standard for dysphagia assessment but is time-consuming and costly. An ideal alternative would be an automated abnormal swallow detection methodology based on non-invasive signals.. Building upon promising results from single-axis cervical accelerometry, the objective of this study was to investigate the combination of dual-axis accelerometry and nasal airflow for classification of healthy and abnormal swallows in a patient population with dysphagia.. Signals were acquired from 24 adult patients with dysphagia (17.8±8.8 swallows per patient). The abnormality of each swallow was quantified using 4-point videofluoroscopic rating scales for its depth of airway invasion, bolus clearance from the valleculae, and bolus clearance from the pyriform sinuses. For each scale, we endeavored to automatically discriminate between the 2 extreme ratings, yielding 3 separate binary classification problems. Various time, frequency, and time-frequency domain features were extracted. A genetic algorithm was deployed for feature selection. Smoothed bootstrapping was utilized to balance the two classes and provide sufficient training data for a multidimensional feature space.. A Euclidean linear discriminant classifier resulted in a mean adjusted accuracy of 74.7% for the depth of airway invasion rating, whereas Mahalanobis linear discriminant classifiers yielded mean adjusted accuracies of 83.7% and 84.2% for bolus clearance from the valleculae and pyriform sinuses, respectively. The bolus clearance from the valleculae problem required the lowest feature space dimensionality. Wavelet features were found to be most discriminatory.. This exploratory study confirms that dual-axis accelerometry and nasal airflow signals can be used to discriminate healthy and abnormal swallows from patients with dysphagia. The fact that features from all signal channels contributed discriminatory information suggests that multi-sensor fusion is promising in abnormal swallow detection.

Topics: Adult; Algorithms; Deglutition; Deglutition Disorders; Humans; Nose; Pulmonary Ventilation

To screen orofacial function in people with various ectodermal dysplasia (ED) syndromes and compare with a healthy reference sample.. The ED group comprised 46 individuals (30 M and 16 F; mean age 14.5 years, range 3-55). Thirty-two had hypohidrotic ED, while 14 had other ED syndromes. The reference sample comprised 52 healthy individuals (22 M and 30 F; mean age 24.9 years, range 3-55). Orofacial function was screened using the Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening (NOT-S) protocol containing 12 orofacial function domains (maximum score 12 points).. The total NOT-S score was higher in the ED group than in the healthy group (mean 3.5 vs. 0.4; p<0.001). The dysfunctions most frequently recorded in the subjects with ED occurred in the domains chewing and swallowing (82.6%), dryness of the mouth (45.7%), and speech (43.5%). Those with other ED syndromes scored non-significantly higher than those with hypohidrotic ED (mean 4.6 vs. 3.0; p>0.05).. Individuals with ED scored higher than a healthy reference sample in all NOT-S domains, especially in the chewing and swallowing, dryness of the mouth, and speech domains. Orofacial function areas and treatment and training outcomes need to be more closely evaluated and monitored.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Deglutition Disorders; Ectodermal Dysplasia; Face; Facial Expression; Female; Hoarseness; Humans; Male; Mandible; Mass Screening; Mastication; Masticatory Muscles; Middle Aged; Nose; Respiration; Speech Disorders; Voice; Xerostomia; Young Adult

The purpose of this study was to elucidate whether misdirected swallowing is an extra-laryngeal cause of hoarseness and investigate whether the prevalence of misdirected swallowing and hoarseness in patients with hiatal hernias differ from those with and without pathological gastroesophageal reflux (GER). One hundred and ninety eight patients with hiatal hernias diagnosed via esophageal manometry and pH-reflux test and 262 subjects in the general population who did not have a hiatal hernia at endoscopy, filled in a questionnaire about symptoms on hoarseness, misdirected swallowing, and heartburn. Hoarseness (35%), misdirected swallowing to the larynx (MSL; 35%), misdirected swallowing to the nose (MSN; 22%) and heartburn (85%) were significantly more common in patients with hiatal hernia than in controls (13, 5, 1, and 6%, respectively, P<0.001). MSL and MSN in the patient group were significantly interrelated (P<0.0001). Hoarseness and MSL were not significantly associated (P<0.076). Hoarseness and MSL were as common in the hernia group with normal GER, as in the group with pathological GER. There is a predisposition for hoarseness and MSL in patients with hiatal hernias, but the cause-and-effect relationship is unclear. Hoarseness does not seem to be caused by pathological GER.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Case-Control Studies; Deglutition Disorders; Female; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Hernia, Hiatal; Hoarseness; Humans; Larynx; Male; Middle Aged; Nose; Prevalence

We describe the way our multidisciplinary team manages cleft lips and palates at our centre at the Catholic University of Louvain. Since 1987, we have opted for the neonatal repair of the cleft lip and nose, and closure of the cleft palate at three months of age. Multidisciplinary follow-up then takes place to detect and correct the sequellae. The children are seen once a year by a plastic surgeon, an otorhinolaryngologist, a maxillofacial surgeon, a speech therapist, an audiologist, and an orthodontist. Secondary corrections are scheduled depending on functional, aesthetic, and psychological requirements.

Topics: Age Factors; Alveoloplasty; Cleft Lip; Cleft Palate; Deglutition Disorders; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Lip; Nose; Orthodontics, Corrective; Orthodontics, Interceptive; Otitis Media; Palate, Soft; Patient Care Team; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Speech Disorders; Velopharyngeal Insufficiency

Transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE) reveals a wide range of esophageal findings. TNE technique, indications, outcomes, advantages, limitations, and impact on patient care are described.. Retrospective chart review.. Charts of the first 30 patients to undergo TNE in an academic otolaryngology practice were reviewed. Technique details, patient demographics, and procedure indications and findings as well as the disposition of patients in this series are described. TNE limitations are discussed with areas for future development.. Thirty patients who underwent unsedated outpatient TNE by their otolaryngologist are described. TNE was directed toward select indications: dysphagia, screening esophagoscopy given long-standing gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), and esophageal surveillance with a new diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Positive findings included mucosal cobblestoning, Barrett's esophagus, esophagitis, gastritis, candidal esophagitis, esophageal diverticulum, postcricoid mass, patulous esophagus, and absence of secondary esophageal peristalsis. Outcomes included referral to a gastroenterologist for evaluation, with or without biopsy; direct laryngoscopy or esophagoscopy with biopsy by the otolaryngologist; planned cancer resection by the otolaryngologist; and medical management of GER/LPR by the otolaryngologist.. With appropriate selection criteria, TNE yields a high percentage of positive findings and wide range of esophageal abnormalities, directly impacting patient management. Available to otolaryngologists in the outpatient setting, TNE expedites interventions by providing a safe, effective alternative to rigid esophagoscopy under general anesthesia and flexible upper endoscopy with sedation. Patients will benefit from the integration of TNE into otolaryngologists' outpatient diagnostic armamentarium.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ambulatory Care; Barrett Esophagus; Candidiasis; Deglutition Disorders; Diverticulum, Esophageal; Esophagitis; Esophagoscopy; Female; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nose; Retrospective Studies

KEYPOINTS: Transnasal fibreoptic oesophagoscopy (TFO) allows the upper aerodigestive tract, from the nasal vestibule to the gastric cardia to be examined in the outpatients department without sedation. This permits patients with symptoms of upper aerodigestive pathology to be investigated at the initial consultation without the need for inpatient endoscopy or swallow studies. The technique is easily learned, and is statistically comparable with standard flexible nasoendoscopy in respect of procedural pain and discomfort. It is highly cost-efficient, paying for itself within 1 year, and thereafter leading to cost savings of over 80%. Its role can be expanded to encompass investigating patients with potentially malignant disease processes, as well as outpatients "panendoscopy" and biopsy, and a number of therapeutic interventions.

Topics: Ambulatory Care; Cardia; Cost Savings; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Deglutition Disorders; Esophagoscopes; Esophagoscopy; Esophagus; Fiber Optic Technology; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Humans; Hypopharynx; Nasal Cavity; Nasopharynx; Nose; Pharynx; Pliability; Tongue; Vocal Cords

KEYPOINTS: Transnasal flexible laryngo-oesophagoscopy (TNFLO) is a safe and well-tolerated procedure that may be performed in a procedure room in the outpatient or day-case/main theatre setting. It requires a local anaesthetic and no sedation. It may be used to histologically diagnose or exclude pathology from the nose to the gastro-oesophageal junction. It provides a "one stop" diagnosis service, reducing diagnostic delays, the need for endoscopy under general anaesthesia, barium swallows and follow-up outpatient appointments. Therapeutic procedures such as vocal cord medialization, endolaryngeal laser surgery, insertion of speech prostheses and foreign body removal may be performed without general anaesthesia.

Topics: Ambulatory Care; Anesthetics, Local; Deglutition Disorders; Esophageal Diseases; Esophagoscopes; Esophagoscopy; Esophagus; Fiber Optic Technology; Foreign Bodies; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Laryngoscopes; Laryngoscopy; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Nose; Pharyngeal Diseases; Pliability; Posture; Prospective Studies; Recovery of Function; Vocal Cord Paralysis

In the management of dysphagic stroke patients, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomies (PEGs) are frequently sited early due to the failure of nasogastric tube (NGT) feeding, with NGTs becoming displaced in over 58% of cases. PEG insertion is a procedure with significant mortality and morbidity. We adapted a novel technique of securing NGTs (a nasal loop) which is non-invasive, allows successful NG feeding and may avoid the need for PEG placement.. To show that nasal loops result in improved delivery of enteral nutrition. To compare the outcome and complication rate of nasal loop fed patients with those undergoing PEG feeding.. A 6 month prospective audit of dysphagic stroke patients who were referred for PEG. All patients who were referred with failed NG feeding within 28 days of presentation were offered a nasal loop. Patients who were 28 days post-stroke had a PEG placed if appropriate. The daily feed intake was monitored before and after nasal loop placement. Complication rates and patient outcomes were documented at 2 week and 3 month follow-up.. Nasal loop group: 14 patients had a nasal loop for a median of 15 days. The median daily feed provided was 0% before nasal loop and 100% after. Four patients went on to recover normal swallowing, 4 patients died and 6 later proceeded to PEG. PEG group: Seven patients proceeded direct to PEG, 1 died and 6 were alive and PEG fed at 3 months. There were 6 complications from PEG insertion. No patients recovered normal swallowing.. Nasal loops are safe, well tolerated, and effective at delivering full enteral nutrition. Nasal loops allow time for patients who may recover normal swallowing to do so, and thus avoid a PEG. Nasal loops avoid unnecessary PEG insertion in those with a poor prognosis who will not ultimately survive their initial stroke.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Deglutition Disorders; Enteral Nutrition; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Gastrostomy; Humans; Male; Nose; Prospective Studies; Recovery of Function; Stroke; Treatment Outcome

Transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE), a new diagnostic technology, allows comprehensive, in-office examination of the esophagus without sedation.. To report the authors' experience using TNE.. Retrospective review of 100 consecutive patients undergoing TNE.. The most frequent indications for TNE were screening examination of the esophagus in reflux, globus, and/or dysphagia patients (n = 79), biopsy of a lesion in the laryngopharynx, trachea, or esophagus (n = 8), screening examination of the esophagus in head and neck cancer patients (n = 5), tracheoscopy and bronchoscopy (n = 4), and evaluation for an esophageal foreign body (n = 2). Four procedures were aborted secondary to a tight nasal vault. Significant findings were found in 44% (42/96). The most frequent findings were esophagitis (n = 19), Barrett's (n = 6), hiatal hernia (n = 4), and carcinoma (n = 5).. TNE is safe and well tolerated by patients with topical anesthesia alone. TNE may replace radiographic imaging of the esophagus in otolaryngology patients with reflux, globus, and dysphagia.

Topics: Anesthesia, Local; Biopsy; Conscious Sedation; Deglutition Disorders; Dilatation; Epistaxis; Equipment Design; Esophageal Diseases; Esophagitis, Peptic; Esophagoscopes; Esophagoscopy; Esophagus; Foreign Bodies; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Hernia, Hiatal; Humans; Mass Screening; Nose; Office Visits; Patient Selection; Retrospective Studies; Safety; Treatment Outcome

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inter- and intrarater reliabilities of the Exeter Dysphagia Assessment Technique in a sample of elderly adults. This procedure uses noninvasive methods to record aspects of oral motor efficiency and synchronization of respiration during swallowing with the aid of specially developed equipment. Changes in the direction of nasal air flow, time of lip or tongue/spoon contact, and the time/frequency of swallow sounds are monitored and analyzed. Seventy records were evaluated independently by three trained assessors on three consecutive occasions. Interrater reliability was found to be good to very good for five of the respiratory variables assessed and moderate for the sixth. Interrater agreement was also very good for three of the timed oropharyngeal events assessed and moderate for the fourth. Intrarater reliability was very good for the same five respiratory variables and moderate for the sixth. Intrarater agreement was also very good for three of the timed oropharyngeal events and moderate for the fourth. Repeat evaluations of these records showed that agreement between and within raters concerning the sixth respiratory variable was improved substantially when the charts were examined in an enlarged form that provided improved resolution. We conclude that the majority of variables monitored by the Exeter Dysphagia Assessment Technique can be evaluated very reliably.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Deglutition; Deglutition Disorders; Female; Humans; Lip; Male; Monitoring, Physiologic; Mouth; Nose; Observer Variation; Oropharynx; Pharynx; Pulmonary Ventilation; Reproducibility of Results; Respiration; Sound; Time Factors; Tongue

An antrochoanal polyp, a common clinical entity, with a rare presentation is being reported. A 12 year old boy was brought to Accident and Emergency department with an unusual sudden presentation of polypoidal mass filling the oral cavity up to his incisors as a result of which he could not swallow and speak. Prior to this episode he had no complaints of the disease. An emergency removal was planned and only during the operation could it be diagnosed as a antrochoanal polyp because of its pedicle in the lateral wall of the nose, which was confirmed by histopathological examination.

Topics: Aphonia; Child; Deglutition Disorders; Diagnosis, Differential; Emergencies; Humans; Male; Nasal Polyps; Nose

The bedside assessment of dysphagia may be difficult, due to the inability to witness the act of swallowing directly. The milk test described in this paper gives a good assessment of swallowing, is cheap and easily portable and allows an instant decision to be made without recourse to special investigations.

Topics: Animals; Cough; Deglutition; Deglutition Disorders; Endoscopy; Humans; Milk; Nose; Pharynx; Tongue

Topics: Adolescent; Child; Deglutition Disorders; Facial Bones; Female; Humans; Lip; Male; Malocclusion; Nasopharynx; Nose; Oropharynx; Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases; Tongue Habits

Enteral nutrition through filiform naso-duodenal or naso-jejunal tubes with homogeneous low molecular nutritional solutions has a rather important place in therapy of different conditions; endoscopy can help to introduce these tubes into the intestinal tract in the following situations: A leak in the upper gastrointestinal tract, which may occur after surgical resections of the esophagus or stomach, or which may occur in rare cases after bouginage or after diagnostic procedures can be passed by with an ultrathin tube until it is healed of. Patients with stenotic lesions of the esophagus or the cardia, which can not be treated by surgery or conservative procedures like pertubation and dilation can be fed enterally if it is possible to move the tube beyond the stenosis. Patients with neurogenic swallowing dysfunction of different origine can be fed during long periods of time through such filiform naso-enteral tubes successfully and reach a perfect nutritional state. In acute treatment of Crohn's disease and other inflammatory intestinal diseases enteral nutrition through tubes is an essential therapeutic procedure.

Topics: Deglutition Disorders; Duodenum; Enteral Nutrition; Esophageal Diseases; Esophageal Fistula; Esophageal Perforation; Humans; Jejunum; Nose; Radiography

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Catheterization; Colonic Diseases; Conversion Disorder; Deglutition Disorders; Esophageal Achalasia; Female; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Heartburn; Humans; Male; Manometry; Middle Aged; Muscle Tonus; Nose; Pain; Pharynx; Pressure; Spasm

Topics: Deglutition Disorders; Enteral Nutrition; Humans; Male; Methods; Middle Aged; Nose; Postoperative Complications; Respiratory Insufficiency; Unconsciousness

Topics: Arousal; Child, Preschool; Crying; Deglutition; Deglutition Disorders; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Mouth; Nose; Palate; Paralysis; Pharynx; Posture; Radiography; Reflex; Sucking Behavior

Topics: Cardia; Child; Congenital Abnormalities; Deglutition; Deglutition Disorders; Diverticulum, Esophageal; Esophageal Fistula; Esophageal Stenosis; Esophagus; Hernia, Diaphragmatic; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Larynx; Mouth; Nose; Pediatrics; Pharynx; Tongue

Topics: Deglutition Disorders; Humans; Infant; Larynx; Nose; Respiratory Tract Infections; Trachea