Severe Idiopathic Dysphagia in an Acute Hospital Setting: Assessment, Management, and Outcome.

Abstract

This case describes the course of a patient who was admitted to an acute care hospital with pneumonia and odynophagia and found to have severe, idiopathic oropharyngeal dysphagia. The assessment, treatment, and outcome are reported alongside suggestions for best practice in the treatment of dysphagia in hospital settings. Timely instrumental assessment, interdisciplinary management, and post-discharge follow-up were needed to provide optimum care and to achieve a positive outcome for this patient with life-threatening dysphagia.