Pediatric Dysphagia In Children
What If Your Child Has Difficulty Swallowing?

Pediatric Dysphagia is one of the feeding problems that occurs during infancy or early childhood. Disordered eating and difficulty swallowing are typically the main symptoms.

While it's not technically an eating disorder as we have come to know them, dysphagia is actually a Greek word that means "disordered eating".

Pediatric dysphagia is a medical condition in which a child has difficulty swallowing. Obviously there is great risk for other complications such as malnutrition, dehydration or even choking.

Simply put, the normal process of swallowing involves a series of muscle contractions that happen in three different phases -

• Oral - chewing, getting food ready to swallow
• Pharyngeal - the tongue pushes the food down the throat
• Esophageal - food is pushed from the esophagus into the stomach

In dysphagia, one of these three phases is disrupted. The pharyngeal phase is where choking or aspiration is most likely to occur. Aspiration can lead to pneumonia.

Pediatric Dysphagia Symptoms

Children and infants may display a variety of pediatric dysphagia signs and symptoms. Adults who suffer with this condition have said that it can sometimes feel like food is stuck in the back of the throat or upper chest. They also tend to experience spells of coughing or choking.

If it has been going on for a while, there may be signs of weight loss or changes in eating habits - choosing to eat or drink only certain foods. Changes in the child's voice ("crackling sounds"), or frequent bouts of pneumonia can also be warning signs.

The Idea Of A Dysphagia Treatment Plan

Pediatric Dysphagia treatment depends on the cause, and there here can be many. This includes everything from neurological conditions to muscular problems, developmental delays and even Cerebral Palsy.

A thorough medical history is required,including information about prescription medications and long term illnesses (if any). Information about the onset, duration and severity of the symptoms will also be gathered.

The physical examination is quite detailed. It includes checking the oral-motor mechanisms, jaw closure, tongue mobility, gag reflex, symmetry of the soft palate, and more.

Treatment almost always includes a diet of mostly pureed foods to start. As the patient improves, dietary requirements will be adjusted.

Oral exercises may be recommended to strengthen facial and neck muscles, and also improve range of motion in the jaw.

Pediatric Dysphagia can also lead to failure to thrive.

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