PubMed abstract / permitted excerpt

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the connection between symptom burden and sexual quality of life in women with idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS). iSGS is a rare fibroinflammatory disorder involving progressive airway narrowing and respiratory distress. While the impact on physical functioning is well-established, the influence of iSGS on sexual health, a key component of quality of life, remains unexplored. STUDY DESIGN: Anonymized cross-sectional survey using validated questionnaires. SETTING: Online international iSGS support group (Living with Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis). METHODS: The Dyspnea Index (DI), the Female Sexual Quality of Life (SQOL-F) questionnaire, and the Medical Outcomes Health Survey (SF-36) were distributed to an iSGS support group. Only complete responses were analyzed. Associations between DI and sexual quality of life were evaluated using correlation and linear regression. Median-based symptom burden groupings were used for secondary descriptive comparisons. RESULTS: 682 completed all items in the assigned questionnaires and met inclusion criteria. DI scores were inversely correlated with SQOL-F (Rho = -0.305, P < .001). SQOL-F was consistently lower among those with high symptom burden across nearly all items; only partner communication showed no difference. Each one-point increase in DI predicted a 0.61-point decrease in SQOL-F (B = -0.609, P < .001). High-burden patients also reported significantly lower SF-36 Physical (PCS) and Mental (MCS) Component Scores. CONCLUSIONS: Greater airway symptom burden in iSGS is associated with significantly diminished sexual and general health-related quality of life. These findings reinforce a need for patient-centered care that considers both physical and psychosocial well-being.