Q: About what percentage of patients usually have Swallowing impairment post extubation?


Answer:  About 50%!

Data is not strong but interestingly almost half of the patients who remain intubed for more than 48 hours develop some degree of  swallowing impairment. Usually it resolves by itself and requires only aspiration precaution and fulfillment of nutritional needs. Severity of underlying disease and length of intubation determines the length, severity and duration of post-extubation dysphagia.


Reference: 

Skoretz SA, Flowers HL, Martino R. The incidence of dysphagia following endotracheal intubation: a systematic review. Chest 2010; 137:665.