Influência da disfagia na qualidade de vida de pacientes com câncer em cuidados paliativos.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the dysphagia influence on the quality of life of cancer patients in palliative care (PC). Methods: An exploratory cross-sectional field study with observational, descriptive and quantitative analysis was carried out to assess swallowing (orofacial myofunctional evaluation – MBGR protocol- and the dysphagia risk evaluation - PARD protocol) and quality of life (SWAL-QOL-PT) of cancer patients, excluding tumors of head and neck. The Chi-square test and the R statistical software (v2.11.0) were used, and significance lower than 5% was considered. Results: A total of 35 patients were included, with female prevalence (77%), mean age 45 (± 12) years, and diagnosis of breast (37) and lung cancer (14%). In relation to oromiofunctional structures, patients had alterations in lip sensitivity (11.5%), mobility and tongue functionality (14%), besides difficulty in opening the mouth (8.6%). The evaluation of the stomatognathic system showed that most of them perform breathing nasal type (91%), maintaining efficient chewing and articulation. It was still observed that some symptoms related to changes in swallowing were more present: in liquid and solid consistency, cough was noticed (20.0% and 8.6% respectively), and in pasty consistency, stasis in oral cavity (8.6%) and prolonged feeding time (8.6%) were highlighted. Changes in swallowing influenced patients' quality of life (37%), associated with food escape, stasis, noise and cough in the three consistencies. Conclusion: The occurrence of dysphagia declines the quality of life of cancer patients in palliative care. The speech therapist intervention favors the maintenance of free oral diet, with rehabilitation and better quality of life of cancer patients.