Smacc

Sepsis causes organ and tissue dysfunction in response to severe infection, resulting in significant physical and cognitive morbidities. For patients diagnosed with severe sepsis, admission to an intensive care unit and use of an artificial airway are often required. The sequalae of severe sepsis necessitating critical care can result in significant changes to a patient’s swallowing and communication function. These negative changes and impacts to function can occur during and after a diagnosis of sepsis, and ultimately impact a patient’s health and functional status. The nature and long-term recovery of swallowing and communication function is still to be completely understood; however evidence affirms recovery continues well beyond hospital discharge.   This presentation will focus on tasks we do daily – eating, drinking and speaking. Specifically, the nature of swallow impairments will be described, and the impact of this new disability will be explored from the perspective of the patient’s body structure,