Dysphagia is the medical term used to describe the difficulty or discomfort an individual experiences when swallowing food or liquids. While dysphagia can affect individuals of any age, it becomes more serious when it occurs in children.

Child dysphagia is a common medical condition that demands adequate attention. When a child experiences difficulty or discomfort swallowing, it can have a significant impact on their overall health and well-being.

Types of Child Dysphagia

Child dysphagia is typically categorized into two types:.

Oral Dysphagia

This type of dysphagia occurs when the child has difficulty moving food or liquid from their mouth to the back of their throat.

This difficulty can be due to a variety of reasons, which include problems with coordinating their muscles necessary for chewing, such as tongue, cheeks, and lips. Oral dysphagia can also be caused by structural abnormalities in the child’s mouth, such as cleft palate.

Pharyngeal Dysphagia

This type of dysphagia occurs when the child has difficulty moving food or liquid down from their throat to their esophagus.

The pharynx is responsible for moving food towards the esophagus, and any problems that arise in this process can cause difficulty or discomfort when swallowing.

Causes of Child Dysphagia

Child dysphagia can be caused by a range of factors, including:.

Neurological Disorders

Children with certain neurological disorders, such as cerebral palsy and stroke, are more susceptible to dysphagia. These disorders can affect the nerves and muscles responsible for swallowing, leading to difficulties in this vital process.

Gastrointestinal Reflux Disorder

Gastrointestinal reflux disorder occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, irritating the lining and causing discomfort. When left untreated, it can lead to difficulties swallowing.

Structural Abnormalities

Structural abnormalities in the mouth and throat can also cause dysphagia. For instance, cleft lip and palate can impact the child’s ability to swallow correctly.

Inflammatory Diseases

Inflammatory diseases such as eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) can cause inflammation and scarring in the esophagus, leading to swallowing difficulties over time.

Symptoms of Child Dysphagia

Child dysphagia manifests in various symptoms, including:.

Choking or Gagging

Children who have difficulty swallowing food or liquid may experience choking or gagging sensations. This often occurs when the food travels down the wrong pipe, causing an uncomfortable sensation in the chest.

Drooling

Excess drooling is another symptom of dysphagia. Children who have difficulty swallowing may not be able to keep saliva in their mouth due to excess fluid buildup.

Coughing

Children with dysphagia may cough while or after eating or drinking something. This symptom indicates an issue with the throat or esophagus.

Difficulty Breathing

In severe cases, dysphagia can interfere with breathing, which can make the child feel anxious or distressed.

Impact of Child Dysphagia on a Child

Child dysphagia can have a profound effect on a child’s overall health and well-being. Children who experience difficulties swallowing may experience:.

Weight Loss and Malnutrition

When children find it hard to swallow food or drink, they may avoid eating or drinking altogether. This pattern can lead to a loss of appetite, malnutrition and unhealthy weight loss.

Dehydration

Dehydration is another significant risk associated with child dysphagia. Children who find it challenging to consume liquids may avoid drinking altogether, leaving them dehydrated over time.

Respiratory Issues

Child dysphagia can put undue stress on an individual’s respiratory system, making it challenging for them to breathe correctly.

When a child has difficulty swallowing, it can lead to aspiration, which can cause significant respiratory difficulties.

Treatment for Child Dysphagia

Early intervention is essential when addressing child dysphagia. Treatment options include:.

Speech and Language Therapy

Speech and language therapy can help correct or improve muscle weakness affecting the mouth, tongue and throat. This therapy assists the child to coordinate the muscles necessary for chewing, drinking and swallowing.

Nutritional Support

Depending on the severity of dysphagia, healthcare practitioners may recommend alternative ways of using nutritional support, such as feeding tubes (NG or G-Tubes) or modified diet.

Surgical Solutions

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair structural abnormalities in the mouth.

Conclusion

Child dysphagia is a common but highly concerning medical condition. Early intervention and diagnosis can greatly improve the child’s quality of life and enable them to live a healthy, active life.

Parents need to be aware of the symptoms of this condition and act quickly when they notice any signs of difficulty swallowing.