Orofacial Pain and Risk of Dysphagia in Women With Fibromyalgia

What is it about?

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the frequency of dysphagia risk and swallowing-associated quality of life (QoL) in women with fibromyalgia (FMS). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 46 women with FMS. Dysphagia risk was assessed using the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) and the volume–viscosity swallowing test (V-VST). Swallowing-associated QoL was determined using the Swallowing Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL) questionnaire. Results: Thirty patients (65.21%) were identified as being at risk for dysphagia using the EAT-10. Forty-one percent of patients had alterations in swallowing-associated QoL. Patients at risk of dysphagia had significantly higher scores on the orofacial VAS and the CF-PDI total. Conclusions: This study found that a high percentage of women with FMS are at risk for dysphagia and experience swallowing-associated QoL difficulties. Further research is needed to determine the prevalence of dysphagia in this population and to develop appropriate interventions to improve swallowing function and QoL.

Why is it important?

This study is relevant for readers of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) because it is the first to investigate the risk of dysphagia in women with fibromyalgia (FMS), taking into account their quality of life and the possible presence of chronic orofacial pain. Dysphagia is a condition that affects the ability to swallow. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including neurological disorders, structural abnormalities, and medications. In people with FMS, dysphagia can be caused by muscle weakness, pain, and fatigue. The study found that a high percentage of women with FMS are at risk for dysphagia. This is significant because dysphagia can hurt the quality of life. People with dysphagia may experience difficulty eating, choking, and weight loss. They may also be at risk for aspiration pneumonia. The study also found that women with FMS who are at risk for dysphagia are more likely to experience chronic orofacial pain. This suggests that there may be a link between dysphagia and chronic orofacial pain in people with FMS. The findings of this study have important implications for speech-language pathologists (SLPs). SLPs are the professionals who diagnose and treat dysphagia. The findings of this study suggest that SLPs should screen women with FMS for dysphagia, even if they do not have any obvious symptoms.