Endoscopic evaluation of pharyngeal and laryngeal sensation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A cross‐sectional study

Objective To describe and compare the findings of endoscopic sensory assessment in COPD patients and healthy controls. Design A prospective cross‐sectional study. Setting Otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic at a university hospital. Participants 27 adults with COPD and 11 age‐matched healthy controls. Main outcome measures Group differences in light touch endoscopic tests of pharyngeal and laryngeal sensation, controlling for pooled salivary secretions in the pharynx and laryngo‐pharyngeal reflux as measured by the Reflux Finding Score (RFS). Results A significant difference in laryngeal sensation was found between the study groups (P = .047), with reduced laryngeal sensation in the COPD patients. Additionally, a significant relationship was found between impaired oropharyngeal sensation and the presence of pooled salivary secretions in the pharynx (P = .018), especially in the pyriform sinuses (P = .012). No differences in the frequency of abnormal RFSs were found between groups. Conclusion Individuals with COPD were significantly more likely to present with impaired laryngeal sensation. Additionally, impaired sensation in the oropharynx was associated with pooled salivary secretions in the pharynx.