Open AccessShedding Light on Dysphagia Associated With COVID‐19: The What and Why
Author(s) -
Mohan Ranjini,
Mohapatra Bijoyaa
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
oto open
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2473-974X
DOI - 10.1177/2473974x20934770
Subject(s) - dysphagia , ards , medicine , intensive care medicine , oropharyngeal dysphagia , psychological intervention , swallowing , intensive care unit , covid-19 , complication , respiratory distress , surgery , lung , disease , psychiatry , infectious disease (medical specialty)
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.