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Laryngeal sensation and pharyngeal sensation are crucial for airway protection in swallowing. Previous research suggests that impaired laryngeal sensation and pooled salivary secretions are associated with increased risk of aspiration and post-swallow pharyngeal residue. [1][2][3][4][5][6] Risk factors for impaired sensation include mucosal damage and inflammation secondary to inhaled corticosteroid exposure, 5,7 or acid exposure in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). [8][9][10][11] This study investigated the presence of and risk factors for laryngopharyngeal sensory impairment and its association with secretion pooling in adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), given that dysphagia and aspiration can trigger COPD exacerbations. 12 Pharyngeal sensation is commonly assessed in cranial nerve examinations through elicitation of the pharyngeal gag reflex in response to mechanical stimulation of the posterior pharyngeal wall. 13 Laryngeal sensation can be assessed indirectly under laryngoscopy, via mechanical stimulation of the laryngeal mucosa using air puffs or light touch stimulation with the tip of a laryngoscope. 5,[14][15][16][17] Observations of motor responses in the form of pharyngeal contraction 13,18 or the laryngeal adductor reflex (LAR) are interpreted to indicate integrity of the afferent pathway. 14,15,19,20 Impaired LAR mechanosensitivity has been reported in individuals with COPD, 5

Introduction The oral cavity and pharynx have a rich sensory system composed of specialized receptors. The integrity of oropharyngeal sensation is thought to be fundamental for safe and efficient swallowing. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients are at risk for oropharyngeal sensory impairment due to frequent use of inhaled medications and comorbidities including gastroesophageal reflux disease. Objective This study aimed to describe and compare oral and oropharyngeal sensory function measured using noninstrumental clinical methods in adults with COPD and healthy controls. Method Participants included 27 adults (18 men, nine women) with a diagnosis of COPD and a mean age of 66.56 years ( SD = 8.68). The control group comprised 11 healthy adults (five men, six women) with a mean age of 60.09 years ( SD = 11.57). Spirometry measures confirmed reduced functional expiratory volumes (% predicted) in the COPD patients compared to the control participants. All participants completed a case history interview and underwent clinical evaluation of oral and oropharyngeal sensation by a speech-language pathologist. The sensory evaluation explored the detection of tactile and temperature stimuli delivered by cotton swab to six locations in the oral cavity and two in the oropharynx as well as identification of the taste of stimuli administered in 5-ml boluses to the mouth. Analyses explored the frequencies of accurate responses regarding stimulus location, temperature and taste between groups, and between age groups (“≤ 65 years” and “> 65 years”) within the COPD cohort. Results We found significantly higher frequencies of reported use of inhaled medications ( p < .001) and xerostomia ( p = .003) in the COPD cohort. Oral cavity thermal sensation ( p = .009) was reduced in the COPD participants, and a significant age-related decline in gustatory sensation was found in the COPD group ( p = .018). Conclusion This study found that most of the measures of oral and oropharyngeal sensation remained intact in the COPD group. Oral thermal sensation was impaired in individuals with COPD, and reduced gustatory sensation was observed in the older COPD participants. Possible links between these results and the use of inhaled medication by individuals with COPD are discussed.

RESUMO Objetivo Relacionar o tempo de trânsito faríngeo e a presença de resíduos com a dispneia e a função pulmonar em indivíduos com Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica DPOC. Método Estudo realizado com 19 adultos (11 homens e 8 mulheres) com diagnóstico clínico e espirométrico de DPOC e idade média de 63,8 (±9,3) anos. A coleta de dados foi realizada utilizando o questionário COPD Assessment Test (CAT, Teste de Avaliação da DPOC) a escala de dispneia do Medical Research Council modificada (mMRC) e um manovacuômetro digital, para caracterizar o impacto da doença no indivíduo, a dispneia e a função pulmonar. Os dados referentes ao tempo de trânsito faríngeo e resíduo faríngeo foram coletados por meio de análise das imagens videofluoroscópicas realizada por três juízes cegados. Resultados Não foram encontradas relações significativas entre tempo de trânsito faríngeo (TTF) com função pulmonar (r = -0,71), e entre presença de resíduo faríngeo com a dispneia (r= -0,06). O TTF, quando comparado com a normalidade, apresentou-se aumentado. Conclusão Os indivíduos com DPOC, independente da gravidade da doença, não manifestaram associação entre alterações no TTF e resíduo faríngeo e dispneia e função pulmonar.