Aspiration during swallow in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): prevalence and association with disease outcomes

Breathing and swallowing can be disrupted in diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This may lead to poor clinical outcomes such as impaired airway protection during swallow (aspiration) and disease exacerbations. Patients with COPD underwent a videofluoroscopy radiological assessment of swallowing to diagnose aspiration during drinking. These patients were monitored over 12 months for COPD exacerbations. Results of the current studies provide evidence that patients with COPD and aspiration are at higher risk of severe disease exacerbations. The findings have important clinical implications and will help clinicians to reduce exacerbations and thereby reduce morbidity and mortality in COPD.