Introduction:

Aim: to describe IPF patients? perceptions of swallowing dysfunction, laryngopharyngeal reflux and laryngeal hypersensitivity symptoms.

Methods:

A cross sectional observational study. Recruitment was undertaken through UK pulmonary fibrosis support groups and the Newcastle Interstitial Lung Diseases clinic, between (January 2021- November 2021). Three validated questionnaires were used (1) The Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10), (normal <3), (2) The Reflux Symptoms Index (RSI), (normal ?13) and (3) The Newcastle Laryngeal Hypersensitivity  (LHQ) Questionnaire.

Results:

Forty IPF patients were recruited (26 M: 14 F, age median 71, range 52-92 years) 30%  used  oxygen.   EAT-10 mean score was 5.9 (±6.5), range 0 to 20, (23/40) 57% of patients had swallowing difficulty evident by a total EAT-10 score >3.  The most common symptoms reported were coughing on eating and food sticking in the throat.  The RSI mean score was 15.6 (±8.3), range from 2 to 31, (24/40) 60% had an RSI score >13, suggesting the presence of extra-oesophageal reflux in some patients.  The Newcastle LHQ scores indicated that  25 patients reported alterations to laryngeal sensation, and had a total LHQ scores that were below the lower level of 95% CI of published normal LHQ score (17.8).

Conclusion:

In this study, a majority of IPF patients reported swallowing difficulty, reflux and laryngeal sensation symptoms.  Further work is indicated to explore these symptoms fully in this vulnerable group.