Effects of xerostomia on perception and performance of swallow function. Head Neck 2001 Apr;23(4):317-21
Date
06/16/2001Pubmed ID
11400234DOI
10.1002/hed.1037Scopus ID
2-s2.0-0035085974 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 109 CitationsAbstract
BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer treatment with high-dose chemoradiation may cause xerostomia and affect the patient's perception of swallowing ability.
METHOD: Whole saliva production was measured in 36 patients with advanced-stage cancer of the oropharynx before treatment and 3 months after treatment by weighing a 4 x 4 inch gauze before and after a 2-minute chewing period. Presence of multiple eating difficulties was measured by patient interview. Swallowing was examined videofluorographically (VFG).
RESULTS: Saliva weight decreased from a mean (SEM) of 5.1 (0.5) g pretreatment to 1.4 (0.5) g after treatment (p<.0001). At 3 months, significantly more patients perceived difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, needing water while eating, food stuck in the mouth or throat, and change in taste. Saliva weight was not correlated with VFG measures of bolus transit or observations of residue.
CONCLUSIONS: Chemoradiation treatment results in xerostomia and a significant increase in patient perception of swallowing difficulties. Saliva weight in patients who perceive swallowing problems was lower. Xerostomia did not affect the physiologic aspects of bolus transport. Xerostomia affected the sensory process and comfort of eating more than bolus transport.
Author List
Logemann JA, Smith CH, Pauloski BR, Rademaker AW, Lazarus CL, Colangelo LA, Mittal B, MacCracken E, Gaziano J, Stachowiak L, Newman LAAuthor
Barbara R. Pauloski PhD, CCC-SLP Associate Professor in the Communication Sciences & Disorders department at University of Wisconsin - MilwaukeeMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdultAged
Antineoplastic Agents
Deglutition
Deglutition Disorders
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Oropharyngeal Neoplasms
Perception
Radiotherapy
Xerostomia
