Swallowing problems ("dysphagia") after COVID-19 (video)

Some patients may develop problems with swallowing, after spending time in Intensive Care due to COVID-19. Patients who spend a longer time on the ventilator (breathing machine or life support machine) may be at increased risk of developing these types of problems.

This link will take you to a 10 minute video from an NHS Speech and Language Therapist. Some of the language used is a bit technical, but there are short animations that will help you understand the normal process of swallowing, how it can be affected, and some of the symptoms and complications that some patients experience. 

There are a number of things that you can do to help deal with swallowing difficulties, and this video includes useful hints and tips for eating and drinking, and some simple exercises that you can do.This video isn't intended as a replacement for Speech and Language Therapy, so speak with your Speech and Language Therapist (if you have one) and/or with you GP after getting home.