Dysphagia Post-Extubation

Abstract

CaseA 68-year-old man required mechanical ventilation for five days during an acute flare in his COPD. His voice is slightly hoarse post extubation. Does he need a speech therapy evaluation? DisCussionAcute care speech pathologists are often consulted to evaluate swallowing following extubation. Swallowing is an intricate process "requiring the precise timing and coordination of more than 25 muscles" and engaging 5 cranial nerves.