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What is dysphagia?
This is the medical term for trouble swallowing.
This happens when your child has a hard time getting fluids or food from their mouth, into their throat, down their esophagus, and into their stomach.
The trouble with swallowing can happen anywhere from the mouth to the stomach.
Image Source: https://www.saintlukeskc.org/health-library/when-your-child-has-dysphagia
What causes dysphagia?
It can be caused by a number of different problems.
The problem can happen in the mouth, in the throat, in the esophagus, in the stomach, or in more than one of these areas.
This may happen for a short period of time:
Your child may have a sore throat or just need some water to help them swallow a bigger piece of food they did not chew up enough.
If your child is struggling with swallowing often, then it would be considered a chronic issue and there are many reasons for this too.
Your child should be seen by their primary care provider to help.
Anxiety can cause your child to have dysphagia.
Some children had a scary time where they choked on something, and it can cause fear around eating.
What are the symptoms of dysphagia?
Symptoms are different for every child and maybe normal for your child or their age.
Excessive drooling.
Eating slowly (some healthy children eat slower than others in general).
Trouble sucking or swallowing.
Trying to swallow a mouthful at a time.
Choking, gagging, or coughing often when swallowing.
Wet, or raspy voice when or after eating or drinking.
Vomiting or spitting up often.
Arching or stiffening the body when eating.
How is dysphagia diagnosed?
Your child’s primary healthcare provider will ask a lot of questions and do a physical exam.
Your child may need testing in the office or blood work done.
Your child may be referred to a specialist for more help.
A specialist may want to have some labs done or order imaging studies of parts of your child’s body.
How is dysphagia treated?
The treatment depends on what is causing the dysphagia.
If your child struggles with anxiety, therapy is often a part of the treatment plan.
Medications may be helpful for some causes.
Some children will be referred to a speech therapist for help with swallowing.
Some children may need to see a specialist like an ear nose and throat provider or a gastroenterologist (who helps more with the esophagus and stomach.).
Your child’s primary care provider will help with what is needed.
How can I prevent my child from having dysphagia?
Helping prevent it will depend on what the cause is.
Help your child follow the treatment plan.
Be supportive. Any problem that has been there for a while will take a while to see improvement.
Follow up as advised by healthcare providers.
When to contact your child’ primary care provider:
You think your child has dysphagia.
You are concerned about your child.
You have any other concerns or questions.
📚 References
This content was adapted from -https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions---pediatrics/d/dysphagia.html and https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=dysphagia-in-children-90-P01991 .
Reviewed by TT DO, JW MD, Patient Education Committee.