Pediatric Dysphagia

Introduction

This guide is a resource for those who wish to gain in-depth knowledge about pediatric dysphagia and the significance of early intervention, its treatment modalities, and the benefits of opting for professional guidance.

Discover how a customized therapeutic approach at Nora's Speech Therapy Services PLLC in Lake George, NY can gently guide you through this journey.

What is Pediatric Dysphagia?

Pediatric dysphagia is the medical term for children who experience difficulty swallowing. According to the American Speech & Hearing Association (ASHA), the long-term consequences of feeding and swallowing disorders can include:

• Food aversion.

• Aspiration pneumonia and/or compromised pulmonary status.

• Malnutrition and/or dehydration.

• Poor weight gain.

• Feeding tube placement.

• Psychosocial effects on the child and their family.

• Feeding and swallowing problems that persist into adulthood, including the risk for choking, malnutrition, and/or health complications.

The Swallowing Process Explained

Understanding the swallowing process is crucial in recognizing dysphagia. Swallowing is commonly divided into three phases:

1. Oral Phase: Preparing the food in the mouth and moving it to the back of the throat.

2. Pharyngeal Phase: Starting to swallow and squeezing food down the throat while closing off the airway to prevent food or liquid from entering (aspiration).

3. Esophageal Phase: Relaxing and tightening the openings at the top and bottom of the esophagus and moving the food into the stomach.

How Common is Pediatric Dysphagia?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), survey interviews indicated that within the past 12 months, 0.9% of children (approximately 569,000) ages 3–17 years are reported to have swallowing problems (Bhattacharyya, 2015; Black et al., 2015)

What Causes Pediatric Dysphagia?

Pediatric dysphagia can result from a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

• Complex medical conditions (e.g., heart disease, pulmonary disease, allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD], delayed gastric emptying).

• Neurological disorders.

• Developmental disability.

• Genetic syndromes.

• Structural abnormalities (e.g., cleft lip and/or palate and other craniofacial abnormalities).

What are Common Symptoms of Pediatric Dysphagia?

Symptoms can vary depending on the child’s age and developmental level and may include:

• Difficulty breathing.

• Coughing and/or choking during or after swallowing.

• Difficulty chewing foods.

• Difficulty initiating a swallow.

• Difficulty managing secretions (e.g., drooling).

• Frequent respiratory illnesses.

• Loss of food/liquid from the mouth when eating.

• Wet vocal quality during and after eating.

• Taking longer to finish meals or snacks.

How is Pediatric Dysphagia Diagnosed?

Diagnosis may involve:

• A clinical swallow examination.

• Imaging tests like a video fluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS).

How is Pediatric Dysphagia Treated?

Treatment is highly individualized and will depend on the child’s age, cognitive and physical abilities, and specific swallowing and feeding problems.

Team Approach

A team approach is necessary for appropriately managing pediatric dysphagia, as the severity and complexity of these disorders vary widely. In addition to the SLP, team members may include:

• Family and/or caregivers.

• A registered dietitian.

• A nurse.

• An OT and/or PT.

• A physician, such as pediatrician, an otolaryngologist, a gastroenterologist, a dentist, a psychologist or psychiatrist.

• A classroom teacher and/or teaching assistant.

Nora's Approach to Pediatric Dysphagia Treatment

• Food and drink trials.

• Family/caregiver training of feeding strategies.

• Positioning techniques to promote safe swallowing.

• Diet modification taking into account both safety and preference.

• Use of adaptive equipment to improve independence and safety at meals.

• Demonstration of how to prepare altered textures and/or thickened liquids.

• A holistic approach considering nutrition, overall health, and quality of life.

Tips for Coping with Pediatric Dysphagia

Pediatric dysphagia can be stressful for the whole family, but talking to specialists and other families that have experienced difficulty swallowing can make it easier.

Starting Dysphagia Therapy with Nora

The journey towards improving your child’s swallowing starts with scheduling a complimentary consultation with Nora's Speech Therapy Services PLLC using the contact form below. During our initial consultation, we will discuss symptoms, medical history, and personalized treatment goals and develop a plan that aligns with your family’s needs and lifestyle.

Conclusion

Pediatric dysphagia can be a challenging condition, but with the right strategies and support, children can improve their ability to swallow. At Nora's Speech Therapy Services PLLC, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care to help our patients achieve a more healthy and happy life.

Remember, early intervention is key to success and Nora is here to support you every step of the way.