OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of auricular electroacupuncture for post-stroke dysphagia in the pharyngeal phase. METHODS: Eighty-two patients with post-stroke dysphagia in the pharyngeal phase were randomized into an auricular electroacupuncture group (41 cases) and a swallowing electrical stimulation group (41 cases, 1 case dropped out). In the auricular electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture was applied at auricular points, i.e. Xin (CO₁₅) and Yanhou (TG₃), using disperse-dense wave, in frequency of 2 Hz/10 Hz, 30 min a time. In the swallowing electrical stimulation group, swallowing electrical stimulation was delivered for 30 min a time. Both groups were treated once daily for 4 weeks. The functional oral intake scale (FOIS) grade, as well as the hyolaryngeal complex displacement, the pharyngeal constriction rate (PCR) and the pharyngeal delay time (PDT) under video fluoroscopic study of swallowing (VFSS) were observed before and after treatment, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated in the two groups. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the FOIS grade was improved (P<0.01), the forward and upward displacement amplitude of hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage was increased (P<0.05), and the PCR and PDT were decreased (P<0.05) after treatment in the two groups. After treatment, compared with the swallowing electrical stimulation group, the FOIS grade was superior (P<0.01), the upward displacement amplitude of hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage was larger (P<0.05) and the PCR and PDT were lower (P<0.05) in the auricular electroacupuncture group. The total effective rate was 85.4% (35/41) in the auricular electroacupuncture group, which was higher than 62.5% (25/40) in the swallowing electrical stimulation group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Auricular electroacupuncture can effectively trigger pharyngeal initiation and improve post-stroke dysphagia in the pharyngeal phase.
Humans ; Electroacupuncture ; Male ; Deglutition Disorders/etiology* ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Stroke/physiopathology* ; Pharynx/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture, Ear ; Acupuncture Points ; Deglutition ; Treatment Outcome ; Adult

Objective:To investigate the relationship between the Palatopharyngeal Arch Staging System（PASS） and the severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea（OSA）, as well as the patterns of airway collapse, while further assessing its clinical applicability. Methods:A total of 98 patients diagnosed with OSA at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shenzhen University Affiliated Shenzhen Hospital, were recruited for this study. Data collected included basic demographic information, oropharyngeal laryngoscopy videos, results from awake laryngoscopy Muller tests, and indicators from sleep respiratory monitoring. The distribution of each PASS stage among patients with varying severities of OSA was compared. Additionally, both objective and subjective sleep indicators along with occurrences of airway collapse in OSA patients across different PASS stages were analyzed. Results:In total, 98 patients participated in this study. Statistically significant differences were observed in neck circumference, weight, Body Mass Index（BMI）, tongue position, and PASS stage when comparing mild-to-moderate OSA patients to those with severe OSA（P<0.05）. Furthermore, there were statistically significant variations in Apnea-Hypopnea Index（AHI）, minimum blood oxygen saturation levels, average blood oxygen saturation levels, oxygen desaturation index values, and total oxygen desaturation indices among OSA patients categorized by different PASS stages. Multiple comparisons revealed statistically significant differences in AHI as well as minimum and average blood oxygen saturation levels between patients at PASS 1 versus those at PASS 3（P<0.05）. Additionally, notable differences regarding oropharyngeal collapse rates among OSA patients across various PASS stages were identified; specifically between those at PASS stage 1 and those at PASS stage 3. Conclusion:The proportion of PASS stages for OSA varies across different severity levels. The severity of OSA and the degree of airway collapse in patients with varying PASS stages also exhibit significant differences. Patients classified as PASS 3 demonstrate a more severe form of OSA compared to those at PASS 1, with stage 3 being more susceptible to oropharyngeal collapse than its stage 1 counterpart. This assessment system is anticipated to address the current limitations in evaluating the lateral pharyngeal wall within the oropharynx.
Humans ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/pathology* ; Male ; Severity of Illness Index ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Polysomnography ; Adult ; Pharynx/physiopathology* ; Aged

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of CHEN Yinglong 's ziwu reinforcing and reducing acupuncture method on post-stroke swallowing dysfunction (PSD) in the pharyngeal phase, and explore its biomechanical mechanism. METHODS: A total of 72 patients with PSD in the pharyngeal phase were randomly divided into a ziwu reinforcing and reducing acupuncture group (36 cases, 2 cases dropped out and 1 case was eliminated) and a conventional acupuncture group (36 cases, 1 case dropped out and 1 case was eliminated). The patients in the conventional acupuncture group were treated with conventional acupuncture at Lianquan (CV 23) and bilateral Fengchi (GB 20), Wangu (GB 12), Tongli (HT 5), Zhaohai (KI 6), Hegu (LI 4), Taichong (LR 3). The patients in the ziwu reinforcing and reducing acupuncture group were treated with CHEN Yinglong 's ziwu reinforcing and reducing acupuncture method on the basis of the conventional acupuncture group's acupoints. Both groups were treated with acupuncture for 30 min each time, once a day, and rested for 1 day after 6 days of treatment, and the treatment lasted 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, the standardized swallowing assessment (SSA) score, Rosenbek penetration aspiration scale (PAS) grade, the shortening rate of mandibular-hyoid distance, swallowing quality of life (SWAL-QOL) score were evaluated in the two groups. The removal rate of nasogastric feeding tube was compared in the two groups, and the clinical efficacy and safety of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: After treatment, the SSA scores and PAS grade of the two groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.001), and above indexes in the ziwu reinforcing and reducing acupuncture group were lower than those in the conventional acupuncture group (P<0.01, P<0.05). After treatment, the shortening rates of mandibular-hyoid distance and SWAL-QOL scores in the two groups were higher than those before treatment (P<0.001), and the shortening rate of mandibular-hyoid distance in the ziwu reinforcing and reducing acupuncture group was higher than that in the conventional acupuncture group (P<0.001). The removal rate of nasogastric feeding tube in the ziwu reinforcing and reducing acupuncture group was 87.9% (29/33), which was higher than 61.8% (21/34) in the conventional acupuncture group (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the ziwu reinforcing and reducing acupuncture group was 84.8% (28/33), which was higher than 61.8% (21/34) of the conventional acupuncture group (P<0.05). Neither group experienced serious adverse reactions. CONCLUSION CHEN Yinglong 's ziwu reinforcing and reducing acupuncture method can effectively improve swallowing dysfunction in the pharyngeal phase after stroke, reduce the risk of aspiration, and improve quality of life. Its therapeutic effect may be related to increasing the displacement amplitude of the hyoid bone.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Stroke/therapy* ; Acupuncture Points ; Deglutition Disorders/physiopathology* ; Deglutition ; Treatment Outcome ; Adult ; Pharynx/physiopathology*

To evaluate the clinical value of submucosal injection of pharyngeal ostium of Eustachian tube in diagnosing patulous Eustachian tube(PET).Twenty-six patients(32 sides),whose the symptoms were consistent with PET,were enrolled from March 2014 to May 2016.The symptoms and signs of all patients were evaluated after submucosal injection of saline into the Eustachian tube.Immediately after submucosal injection of saline into the Eustachian tube,the symptoms and signs disappeared in 24 cases(29 sides),and improved in 2 cases(3 sides).The resolution and/or improvement of symptoms and signs lasted for less than 24 hours in 12 patients,for more than 24 hours in 9 patients,and for more than 48 hours in 4 patients.No adverse reactions were observed.Submucosal injection may be a simple and practical method for auxiliary diagnosis of PET,and may be used in preoperative evaluation of Eustachian tuboplasty.
Ear Diseases ; diagnosis ; Eustachian Tube ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Humans ; Injections ; Otitis Media ; Pharynx ; Preoperative Care

Acupuncture Therapy ; Humans ; Pharyngeal Diseases ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Pharynx ; innervation ; physiopathology ; Sensation

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Aged ; Bulbar Palsy, Progressive ; etiology ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Cerebral Infarction ; complications ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pharynx ; physiopathology ; Treatment Outcome

This study aimed to use computer simulation to describe the fluid dynamic characteristics in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and to evaluate the difference between during quiet respiration and the Muller maneuver (MM). Seven patients with OSAS were involved to perform computed tomographic (CT) scanning during quiet respiration and the MM. CT data in DICOM format were transformed into an anatomically three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the upper airway. The velocity magnitude, relative pressure, and flow distribution were obtained. Numerical simulation of airflow was performed to discuss how the MM affected airflow in the upper airway. To measure the discrepancy, the SPSS19.0 software package was utilized for statistic analysis. The results showed that the shape of the upper airway became narrower, and the pressure decreased during the MM. The minimal cross-sectional area (MCSA) of velopharynx was significantly decreased (P<0.05) and the airflow velocity in MCSAs of velopharynx and glossopharynx significantly accelerated (P<0.05) during the MM. This study demonstrated the possibility of CFD model combined with the MM for understanding pharyngeal aerodynamics in the pathophysiology of OSAS.
Adult ; Computer Simulation ; Humans ; Hydrodynamics ; Middle Aged ; Models, Anatomic ; Pharynx ; pathology ; Pilot Projects ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive ; physiopathology ; Software ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVE: to investigate the origin characters of snore in simple snorers and provide the basis for its treatment. METHOD: Thirty-two simple snorers diagnosed by polysomnography were induced to sleep by propofol and dexmedetomidine, then we observed the vibration sites, pattern and concomitant collapse of soft tissue in pharyngeal cavity by nasendoscopy. RESULT: Thirteen cases showed palatal fluttering only, and 1 case showed vibration of epiglottis only. Six cases showed palatal fluttering with vibration of epiglottis, and 2 cases showed palatal fluttering with vibration of epiglottis and tongue base. Five cases showed palatal fluttering with vibration of pharyngeal lateral wall, and 5 cases showed palatal fluttering with vibration of lateral wall, epiglottis and tongue base together. Palate and pharyngeal lateral wall vibrated strongly and always collapsed with vibrating, but epiglottis and tongue base usually vibrated slightly and seldom collapsed. CONCLUSION The palatal fluttering is the main source of snoring sounds for most simple snorers, then followed by vibration of palatal and pharyngeal lateral wall together. The site of collapse in pharyngeal cavity is consistent with the main site of vibration.
Endoscopy ; Epiglottis ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Palate ; physiopathology ; Pharynx ; physiopathology ; Polysomnography ; Propofol ; Sleep ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive ; Snoring ; diagnosis ; Tongue ; physiopathology

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the pressure changing characteristics of upper esophageal sphincter (UES), lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and the esophagus kinetic characteristics of pharyngeal paraesthesia patients. METHOD: To take high resolution manometry in 44 cases of pharyngeal paraesthesia patients and 23 normal subjects separately. According to the RSI score,the 44 patients were divided into group A (the group without reflux, RSI < 13, n = 25) and group B (the group with reflux, RSI ≥ 13, n = 19). RESULT: The UES average resting pressure and average residual pressure of patients group were higher than the control group (P < 0.05); The UES average resting pressure and average residual pressure of group B were higher than group A (P < 0.05); The LES average resting pressure and average residual pressure of group B were lower than group A and the control group (P < 0.05); The comparison of LES average resting pressure and average residual pressure between group A and the control group was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The esophagus DCI of group B was lower than that of group A and control group (P < 0.05). The esophagus DCI comparison between group A and control group was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION The pharyngeal paresthesia symptoms of'patients was associated with the increasing of UES pressure. The pharyngeal paresthesia symptoms of group with reflux was related to low pressure of LES and high pressure of UES. The last part of esophagus of group with reflux had obstacles in powers, which weaken the peristalsis and declined the ability to clear the bolus and gastric reflux material.
Case-Control Studies ; Esophageal Sphincter, Lower ; physiopathology ; Esophageal Sphincter, Upper ; physiopathology ; Gastroesophageal Reflux ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Manometry ; Paresthesia ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Peristalsis ; Pharynx ; physiopathology ; Pressure

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a newly recognized disease entity. IgG4-RD is characterized by a single or multiple masses in one or more organs; a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate with a high percentage of plasma cells within the lesion staining for IgG4; a peculiar pattern of fibrosis known as "storiform" fibrosis; and elevated serum IgG4 concentrations. IgG4-RD can occur in various organs, including pancreas, kidneys, lungs, retroperitoneum, and prostate gland. The head and neck involvements of IgG4-RD have been chiefly described in Mikulicz disease (MD), Küttner's tumor, orbital? inflammatory pseudotumor, and idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis (IHP) previously. Recent studies reported that IgG4-RD could also involve ear, nose and throat. Here we reviewed the literatures about ear, nose and throat involvement by IgG4-RD, in order to provide some theoretical bases for the diagnosis and treatment of IgG4-RD.
Autoimmune Diseases ; physiopathology ; Ear ; physiopathology ; Fibrosis ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; Nose ; physiopathology ; Pharynx ; physiopathology ; Plasma Cells ; pathology