Recovering from Covid-19

• Breathlessness
• Cough
• How can I manage my breathlessness?
• Managing your oxygen

• Active at home – A guide to being active at home during the coronavirus outbreak
• Get up and go – Six exercises for staying steady
• Joint and muscle problems

• Conserving your energy
• Fatigue
• How to manage post-viral fatigue after COVID-19
• Post Covid Fatigue Management Information Pack

Swallowing Difficulties after Covid-19

The following information and advice about swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) may be useful while you wait for either a Speech and Language Therapy assessment, or whilst recovering from Covid-19.

 Swallowing is a process involving many structures, muscles and nerves.  After having Covid-19 you may have noticed your swallowing has changed. This may because:

• Your swallowing muscles are generally weak
• Your throat has been affected by breathing tubes and/ or ventilation
• The co-ordination of your breathing and swallowing has been affected.

What problems might you have?

• Food irritating or sticking in your throat. Your voice may sound wet or bubbly.
• Coughing or choking on food or drink. This could happen straight away or a moment or two after you have swallowed
• Feeling breathless during and/or after eating
• Feeling that you can’t finish a meal

These are things you can do to help manage this at home:

• Always sit up fully on a supportive chair when you are eating or drinking
• Take small sips or bites
• Eat or drink at a slower pace
• Stop and rest if you are feeling breathless or tired
• Eat little and often – three smaller meals and three snacks every day is recommended
• Try eating softer foods which need to be chewed less
• Limit speaking during meals as this can cause breathlessness
• If swallowing tablets is difficult please ask your GP or pharmacist if they can be taken with small amounts of food e.g. yoghurt, custard or porridge on a teaspoon, taking one tablet at a time. Alternatively, ask your GP if they can be prescribed in a different form.

If you become concerned about any of the above symptoms then please discuss with your GP, Speech and Language Therapist or a member of the Post Covid Service.

• Advice for people experiencing voice problems after COVID-19
• Swallowing and changes to your voice

• Eating well
• Eating well during and after COVID-19 illness
• Eat well, spend less: Food Fact Sheet
• Taste and smell

• Managing your worries
• Managing low mood
• Memory and concentration
• Access to Work Mental Health Support Service

• Family, Friends and Carers
• Grief and bereavement
• Sleeping well

Local resources