Dysphagia and COVID-19 in Adults: A Prospective Clinical Trial with Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing

Authors

Gökhan Can Törpü, Bezmialem Vakıf UniversityFollow
Müberra Tanrıverdi, Bezmialem Vakıf UniversityFollow
Nahide Öztoprak, Bezmialem Vakıf UniversityFollow
Ömer Faruk Çalım, Bezmialem Vakıf UniversityFollow
Orhan Özturan, Bezmialem Vakıf UniversityFollow

Abstract

Purpose: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is distinguished by its impact on various tissues and organs across the body. It is known that COVID-19-related conditions are associated with swallowing function. This prospective study aimed to investigate the correlation between COVID-19 and dysphagia in adults. Methods: Adults who applied to the swallowing disorders outpatient clinic participated in this study. According to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, participants were divided into two groups: COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 group. Swallowing disorders were evaluated using fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and scored with the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS). PAS score > 1 was considered as dysphagia. Oral motor dysfunction (OMD) evaluation was performed by swallowing therapist. Total score ranged from 26 to 104, with higher scores indicating greater degree of impairment. Swallowing-related quality of life was examined by Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10). EAT-10 score of ≥ 3 was considered the presence of dysphagia. Results: Seventy-five adults (age = 51.32 years, COVID-19/non-COVID-19; n = 30/45, PAS = 3.06, OMD = 33.24, EAT-10 = 14.59) were included. Dysphagia was confirmed in adults with COVID-19 according to PAS (n = 24, 80%) and EAT-10 (n = 30, 100%). According to the COVID-19 versus non-COVID-19, no significant difference was observed in the PAS (p = 0.101), OMD (p = 0.737), and EAT-10 (p = 0.801). Conclusions: According to the results of our study, although dysphagia was stated in those with COVID-19, no significant difference was observed compared to non-COVID-19, and no relationship was found as a risk factor. Our results continue the debate in literature and reveal the need for further research.

Author Bio(s)

Gökhan Can Törpü, PT, PhD(c), is a licensed physiotherapist and PhD student in Department of Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Institute of Health Sciences, Bezmialem Vakıf University.

Müberra Tanrıverdi, PT, PhD, Associate Professor, is a licensed physiotherapist and associate professor in Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bezmialem Vakıf University.

Nahide Öztoprak, PT, is a licensed physiotherapist graduated from Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bezmialem Vakıf University.

Ömer Faruk Çalım, Associate Professor, is licensed otorhinolaryngologist at Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakıf University.

Orhan Özturan, Prof. Dr., is professor and department chair for Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakıf University.

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by Scientific and Technological Research Institution of Türkiye (Turkish: Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Araştırma Kurumu, TÜBİTAK) (Grant: 1919B012105162). In addition this study was presented at the 6th Congress of European ORL-HNS that was held in Milan, Italy on October 29- November 2, 2022. The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Recommended Citation

Törpü GC, Tanrıverdi M, Öztoprak N, Çalım ÖF, Özturan O. Dysphagia and COVID-19 in Adults: A Prospective Clinical Trial with Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2025 Apr 15;23(2), Article 11.