• Vinciya Pandian, Martin B Brodsky, Emily P Brigham, Ann M Parker, Alexander T Hillel, Joshua M Levy, Christopher H Rassekh, Anil K Lalwani, Dale M Needham, and Michael J Brenner.
• Department of Nursing Faculty, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Outcomes After Critical Illness and Surgery (OACIS) Research Group, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States. Electronic address: vpandia1@jhu.edu.
• Am J Otolaryngol. 2021 May 1; 42 (3): 102917.

AbstractMortality from COVID-19 has obscured a subtler crisis - the swelling ranks of COVID-19 survivors. After critical illness, patients often suffer post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), which encompasses physical, cognitive, and/or mental health impairments that are often long-lasting barriers to resuming a meaningful life. Some deficits after COVID-19 critical illness will require otolaryngologic expertise for years after hospital discharge. There are roles for all subspecialties in preventing, diagnosing, or treating sequelae of COVID-19. Otolaryngologist leadership in multidisciplinary efforts ensures coordinated care. Timely tracheostomy, when indicated, may shorten the course of intensive care unit stay and thereby potentially reduce the impairments associated with PICS. Otolaryngologists can provide expertise in olfactory disorders; thrombotic sequelae of hearing loss and vertigo; and laryngotracheal injuries that impair speech, voice, swallowing, communication, and breathing. In the aftermath of severe COVID-19, otolaryngologists are poised to lead efforts in early identification and intervention for impairments affecting patients' quality of life.Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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