In the light of the fact that the clinical consequences of ICU-acquired dysphagia (e.g., aspiration-induced pneumonitis/pneumonia) can often be observed on ICUs, more data on underlying mechanisms and/or risk factors seems required. Post-extubation dysphagia as a key subgroup affects a considerable number of critically ill patients and often persists far beyond ICU discharge. Awareness for dysphagia on the ICU should be increased, and systematic screening protocols should be established. Furthermore, dysphagia on the ICU appears an overlooked health care problem and studies on novel therapeutic interventions seem warranted.

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