Post-COVID Swallowing Problems: What You Need to Know

For most people, COVID-19 causes a temporary illness from which they recover fully. But for a significant minority, symptoms persist for weeks or months after the acute infection - a condition now widely known as Long COVID. Among the many symptoms that can linger, swallowing difficulties are increasingly being recognised and referred for specialist assessment.

How COVID-19 can affect swallowing

Swallowing difficulties after COVID-19 can arise in several ways.

For people who were hospitalised and required a ventilator or prolonged intubation, swallowing difficulties are relatively common - the physical presence of a tube in the airway for an extended period can affect the muscles and structures involved in swallowing.

But swallowing problems can also occur in people who were not seriously ill. Long COVID can involve neurological symptoms, fatigue, and changes to sensation and muscle function that affect the swallow - even in those who managed their illness at home.

Signs of post-COVID dysphagia

• Coughing or choking when eating or drinking
• Food or liquid feeling like it is sticking in the throat
• A sensation of something being in the throat when it isn't
• Increased effort needed to swallow
• Avoiding certain food or drink textures
• A wet or gurgly voice after eating
• Unexplained weight loss

Some people also experience changes to their voice, reduced breath support, or extreme fatigue during meals - all of which can affect safe swallowing.

What can an SLT do?

A specialist assessment will look at every stage of the swallow and identify where the difficulty lies. From there, therapy is tailored to the individual and may include exercises to restore strength and coordination, strategies for safer eating and drinking, and advice on textures and pacing.

Recovery from post-COVID dysphagia is possible and many people see significant improvement with targeted therapy. If you are experiencing swallowing difficulties after COVID-19, you do not need to wait for a referral - a private assessment can be arranged quickly.

You may also find it helpful to read more about what dysphagia is and how stroke and neurological conditions affect swallowing.