Shedding Light on Dysphagia Associated With COVID-19: The What and Why. Issue 2 (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mohan, Ranjini; Mohapatra, Bijoyaa
• Is Part Of: OTO open. Volume 4:Issue 2(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: dysphagia -- COVID-19 -- ventilation -- screening; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; Otolaryngology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1177/2473974X20934770
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2473-974X

Abstract

The most common symptom of COVID-19 in critically ill patients is ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome), with many patients requiring invasive or noninvasive respiratory support in the intensive care unit. Oropharyngeal dysphagia may be a consequence of the respiratory-swallowing incoordination common in ARDS or may occur following the respiratory support interventions. In this commentary, we highlight the risk and complications of oropharyngeal dysphagia in patients with COVID-19 and urge medical and rehabilitation professionals to consider dysphagia a prognostic complication, provide appropriate referrals, and initiate early interventions as appropriate.