What is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia means difficulty with feeding and/or swallowing. It is a symptom, not a disease. Oral dysphagia refers to problems with using the mouth, lips and tongue to control food or liquid. Pharyngeal dysphagia refers to problems in the throat during swallowing.
Dysphagia can affect a person at any age − from infants to the elderly.
Causes:
There are many conditions that have the associated symptom of dysphagia. Any structural problem in the mouth, throat or esophagus, or condition that weakens or damages the muscles or nerves used for feeding and swallowing may cause dysphagia.
Common disorders related to pediatric swallowing problems:
What can happen:
Dysphagia may result in inadequate airway protection during swallowing, causing food or liquid to get into the lungs (aspiration). Aspiration into the airway can cause frequent episodes of upper respiratory infections and pneumonia. The child may not be able to manage food or liquid well or accept an age-appropriate diet. Dehydration and malnutrition may occur if the feeding problem goes untreated. If the dysphagia is severe, another source of nutrition and hydration, such as a feeding tube, may be needed. A child with dysphagia may develop anxiety about eating or drinking.
Treatment:
Treatment for dysphagia is based on the nature and severity of the child's feeding and swallowing problem. The speech-language pathologist will help with the evaluation of the dysphagia, and may suggest or provide therapy to:
What can parents do:
Dysphagia means difficulty with feeding and/or swallowing. It is a symptom, not a disease. Oral dysphagia refers to problems with using the mouth, lips and tongue to control food or liquid. Pharyngeal dysphagia refers to problems in the throat during swallowing.
Dysphagia can affect a person at any age − from infants to the elderly.
Causes:
There are many conditions that have the associated symptom of dysphagia. Any structural problem in the mouth, throat or esophagus, or condition that weakens or damages the muscles or nerves used for feeding and swallowing may cause dysphagia.
Common disorders related to pediatric swallowing problems:
- Brain injury
- Birth defects
- Cleft palate
- Cerebral palsy
- Gastroesophageal disorders, including reflux
- Heart or lung conditions
- Head and / or neck cancer
- Neuromuscular disease
- Prematurity
- Sensory problems
- Stroke
- Problems coordinating sucking, swallowing and breathing while bottle-feeding or drinking from a cup or straw
- Coughing
- Choking
- Gagging
- Color change during or after feeding
- Lengthy feeding times (greater than 30 minutes)
- Trouble chewing
- Congestion during or after feeding
- Change of breathing rate with feeding
- History of pneumonia
- Sensation of food being stuck in the throat
- Limited intake of food or liquids
- Refusal of previously accepted food or liquids
- Failure to gain weight
- Evidence of food or liquid in a tracheotomy tube during or after eating
What can happen:
Dysphagia may result in inadequate airway protection during swallowing, causing food or liquid to get into the lungs (aspiration). Aspiration into the airway can cause frequent episodes of upper respiratory infections and pneumonia. The child may not be able to manage food or liquid well or accept an age-appropriate diet. Dehydration and malnutrition may occur if the feeding problem goes untreated. If the dysphagia is severe, another source of nutrition and hydration, such as a feeding tube, may be needed. A child with dysphagia may develop anxiety about eating or drinking.
Treatment:
Treatment for dysphagia is based on the nature and severity of the child's feeding and swallowing problem. The speech-language pathologist will help with the evaluation of the dysphagia, and may suggest or provide therapy to:
- Develop strength, range of motion, and coordination of the lips, tongue, cheek, and jaw muscles for efficient eating and drinking
- Help decrease oral sensitivity and/or oral aversion to foods and liquids
- Decrease behavioral resistance to feeding
- Work on strategies to decrease the risk for aspiration
- A change in food textures or in the thickness of liquids
- A change in the feeding equipment, such as the nipple, bottle, cup or utensils
- Strategies to help with drinking and eating
What can parents do:
- Implement various exercises, activities and recommendations given by the speech pathologist.
- Include the child in family mealtime and keep the experience positive.
