Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Dysphagia in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Associated Factors.

To analyze the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and dysphagia in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and evaluate associated factors. Cross-sectional study part of a large cohort study. The Dysphagia Handicap Index (DHI), Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptoms Questionnaire (QS-GERD) and The Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) were applied. A medical consultation, spirometry examination, and health status assessments (by modified Medical Research Council scale - mMRC, COPD Assessment Test - CAT, Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire - SGRQ) were performed on the same day as the DHI, QS-GERD and EAT-10. Thirty-four individuals participated in the study, with a mean age of 65.2 (SD=7.9) complete years with COPD, 52.9% being female, and a body mass index of 26.6 (SD=6.3) kg/m². Eleven individuals were classified as having risk for dysphagia. The evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms through the QS-DRGE showed moderate correlation with EAT-10. The GERD-SQ instrument showed moderate correlation with the SGRQ, as well as in the three domains, finding that the presence of GERD symptoms is a factor that is associated with worsening quality of life. It is concluded that patients with COPD present symptoms of dysphagia and gastroesophageal reflux. In this study, it was found that the presence of GERD symptoms and swallowing disorders are factors associated with worsening quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]