Rheumatologist’s Views on Oral Stage Dysphagia in adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Temporomandibular Joint: An Irish Perspective

Mediterranean Journal of Rheumatology

ARTICLE

Órla Gilheaney¹  Margaret Walshe¹ 

[1] Department of Clinical Speech and Language Studies, Trinity College Dublin

关键词: dysphagia;    swallowing disorders;    deglutition;    rheumatology;    rheumatoid arthritis;    temporomandibular joint;    temporomandibular joint disorders;   

DOI  :  10.31138/mjr.31.2.225

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: PCO Convin S.A.

【 摘 要 】

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and may be caused by alterations in the structure and/or function of the TMJ, masticatory muscles, and/or osseous components, causing difficulties such as reduced and painful range of motion, joint sounds, crepitus, or deviation on opening/closing.1 Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at risk of developing TMDs,2 which can impact on eating, drinking, and swallowing, resulting in oral stage dysphagia (OD).3 These TMJ-related difficulties are in addition to other systemic issues that individuals with RA experience, such as burning mouth, taste alterations, or dental health issues, thus increasing the risk of overall eating, drinking and swallowing issues. Recent research suggests that 30.69% and 24.63% of adults with RA affecting the TMJ experience impaired mastication and swallowing, respectively, while masticatory pain (29.97%) and fatigue (21.26%) also affect a sizeable cohort.4 However, there is a lack of cohort-specific TMD assessments or evidence-based interventions for the rheumatologist to use with these patients. Research has suggested that as a consequence of this lack of resources, rheumatologists may under-estimate the presence of TMJ involvement, which may result in limited treatment and potential residual deficits.6-7 Finally, there is also a lack of clinical guidance to support the rheumatologist in referring patients with non-refractory OD caused by RA-related TMDs to OD specialists.

【 授权许可】

CC BY-NC