Breathing, voice, speech and swallow problems in Long COVID
UK-wide data collected by Speech and Language Therapists (SLT’s) demonstrated that there are a range of speech, language, communication and swallowing needs associated with post-COVID illness. Speech and language therapy (SLT) intervention contributes to improved outcomes for these individuals. SLT's support people who have swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), voice difficulties (dysphonia), cognitive communication difficulties and upper airway symptoms including chronic cough and laryngeal hypersensitivity.
In this section you will learn more about the role of SLT in managing these problems in the context of long COVID.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this learning bite you will be able to:
- Describe common causes of breathlessness following COVID-19 infection.
- Demonstrate an awareness of strategies for the management of breathlessness in long COVID.
- Explain what a breathing pattern disorder is.
- Recognise causes of a breathing pattern disorder.
- Recognise common symptoms/presentations of a breathing pattern disorder.
- Demonstrate an awareness of strategies for the assessment and management of breathing pattern disorders.
- Demonstrate an understanding of common voice, swallow and communication difficulties seen in long COVID and the role of speech and language therapy in the assessment and management of these.
Slide pack
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Slide pack learning bite gives an overview of breathlessness and breathing pattern disorder as well as voice, swallow and communication difficulties. It look at the role of respiratory physiotherapy and speech and language therapy in the...
Additional resources
Resources to use with patients:
NHS Inform Long COVID: Breathlessness
NHS England Your COVID recovery website Long COVID Breathlessness - Your COVID Recovery