The Mind–Body–Breath Link During Oral Intake in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Grounded Theory Analysis

Both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and dysphagia can be complicated by the shared physiological-psychoemotional manifestations of the conditions, such as anxiety and respiratory dysfunction. Despite their shared comorbidities, clinical research and management often focus on the isolated physiological impairments of each condition separately. Crucially, the oral intake experience of individuals with COPD—central for improved quality of life—remains underexplored. Thus, the purpose of this study was to understand the oral intake experience among individuals with COPD, including perceived barriers, behaviors, and emotions. Fourteen individuals with COPD (mean age 68.9; 7 females; 2 with diagnosed dysphagia) participated. Using grounded theory methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed. Four themes surfaced: (a) participants experience physiological manifestations of COPD (dyspnea, coughing) during eating/drinking; (b) emotions related to eating/drinking, such as concern, fear, anxiety, panic, and frustration stem from the physiological manifestations; (c) these emotions worsen the physiological manifestations; and (d) as a result of the physiological manifestations, they adapt eating/drinking behaviors (e.g., choose easier to eat foods, reduce intake size). The theory ‘the mind–body–breath feedback and feedforward loops as a contributor to the oral intake experience in individuals with COPD’ is subsequently proposed. Of clinical importance, many participants did not recognize their swallowing status as an issue. Ultimately, to promote patient-centered care, we need to view the oral intake experience for individuals with COPD through a more comprehensive lens that incorporates the interrelationships between the physiological and psychoemotional manifestations of COPD and better educate patients on COPD’s impact on eating and drinking.