J Korean Dysphagia Soc.  2021 Jul;11(2):87-92. 10.34160/jkds.2021.11.2.001.

The Pathologic Mechanisms and Epidemiology of Dysphagia Associated with COVID-19

• Kim DY

• KMID: 2518777
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.34160/jkds.2021.11.2.001

Abstract

Through the recent development and supply of COVID-19 vaccines, there is a growing interest in the management of post-treatment complications of survivors after infection, rather than the COVID-19 infection itself. Complications of COVID-19 include respiratory complications, cognitive dysfunction, central nervous system disorders, peripheral nerve disorders, critical-illness related myopathy and polyneuropathy, and dysphagia. However, there are insufficient studies on the pathologic mechanisms and epidemiology associated with COVID-19 and dysphagia. By examining similar coronavirus cases and direct cases, it has been proposed that the dysphagia arises due to damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems, critical-illness related myopathy and polyneuropathy related to intensive care unit management, and intubation damage. Understanding the epidemiology and pathological mechanisms of dysphagia that occur after COVID-19 will help prevent the affliction and manage the prognosis of high-risk patients.

Keyword

COVID-19; Deglutition disorders; Epidemiology; Physiopathology