SWALLOWING DISORDERS IN CHILDREN

Swallowing disorders, also called dysphagia (dis FAY juh), can occur at different stages in the swallowing process:

- oral phase-- sucking, chewing, and moving food or liquid into the throat - pharyngeal phase-- triggering the swallowing reflex, squeezing food down the throat, and closing off the airway to prevent food or liquid from entering the airway ( aspiration ) or to prevent choking - esophageal phase-- relaxing and tightening the openings at the top and bottom of the feeding tube in the throat ( esophagus ) and squeezing food through the esophagus into the stomach

Some causes of feeding and swallowing problems in children are:
	- nervous system disorders (cerebral palsy, meningitis, encephalopathy) - gastrointestinal conditions - prematurity/low birth weight - heart disease - cleft lip or palate -conditions affecting the airway

Signs and symptoms of feeding and swallowing problems in very young children may include:
	-arching or stiffening of the body during feeding -irritability or lack of alertness during feeding -failure to accept different textures of food -prolonged feeding times (more than 30 minutes)

General signs may include:
	- excessive drooling or leaking food/liquid from the mouth - gurgly, hoarse, or breathy voice quality - coughing or gagging during meals - recurring pneumonia or respiratory infections - difficulty coordinating breathing with eating or drinking - frequent spitting up - less than normal weight gain or growth

As a result , children may have:
	- dehydration or poor nutrition - risk of aspiration (food or liquid entering the airway) - pneumonia or repeated upper respiratory infections that can lead to chronic lung disease - embarrassment or isolation in social situations involving eating

A speech-language pathologist :
	- will take a careful history of your child' s medical history, development, and symptoms - will look at the strength and movement of the muscles involved in swallowing - will observe feeding to see your child' s posture, behavior, and oral movements during eating and drinking - may perform special tests to evaluate swallowing

Treatment varies greatly depending on the cause and symptoms of the swallowing problem, but may include:
	- exercises for strength, sensation, and coordination of muscles involved in feeding and swallowing - recommendations for special foods, equipment, or techniques to improve feeding and swallowing

Swallowing Disorders in Children. Retrieved Aug. 22, 2006 from
	- American Speech-Language and Hearing Association. Web site: http://www.asha.org/public/speech/swallowing/Swallowing-Disorders-in-Children.htm>