Dysphagia is a type of swallowing disorder that occurs in both children and adults. It’s the inability to easily pass food and liquids from the mouth, down to the esophagus and into the stomach during the swallowing process. Children with dysphagia can choke easily and become frustrated due to this dangerous problem. Malnutrition is also an issue as many children with this disorder are unable to consume enough nutrients.
Causes of Dysphagia
Let’s begin with the three main parts of the swallowing process. The first part is the oral preparation stage. This is when food is put into the mouth, chewed and mixed with saliva. The tongue then does its job by pushing the food or liquids to the back of the mouth.
The second stage is called the pharyngeal and this is when the food enters the throat, or pharynx. The flap called the epiglottis then closes the passage that leads to the windpipe to avoid food getting into the lungs. The throat muscles then relaxes and allows the food and liquids to pass down the throat and into the esophagus. The epiglottis then reopens to allow us to breath.
The last stage is called the esophageal and this is when the muscles in the esophagus push the food towards the stomach in wave-like movements. Liquids simply fall through the esophagus and into the stomach. Muscles at the end of the esophagus then relax to allow the food to settle in the stomach. Swallowing problems occur when one or more of these stages do not occur.
The causes of dysphagia can vary from child to child. Some common causes of swallowing problems occur in children with a cleft palate or lip, as well as those with dental problems, such as an overbite.
Other causes could be from a large tongue, diseases of the muscles or nerves caused by a tumor, or injury, large tonsils, abnormalities of the bones in the skull, mouth or throat, malformations of the digestive track, oral sensitivity in ill children, irritation of the vocal cords, tracheotomy, irritation of scarring caused by GERD, foreign bodies in the throat, prematurity, developmental delays, or by compression of the esophagus by other body parts.
Problems Associated with Dysphagia
Dysphagia can cause many dangerous issues if not looked into by a professional. Aspiration can occur when foods or liquids attempt to go through the windpipe and into the lungs. This can lead to pneumonia and other severe lung disorders. Children with swallowing disorders may have trouble gaining weight and may not have proper growth. They may feel or look unhealthy because they are not able to consume enough food.
Symptoms of Dysphagia
You may not always be able to recognize dysphagia, especially in younger children who are not yet able to express how they feel. While some symptoms may be obvious to see while feeding your child, in mild cases of dysphagia, you may not notice unless you are paying close attention.
Some common symptoms of dysphagia are as follows: gagging when eating, difficulty sucking or swallowing, attempting to swallowing several times, eating slowly, drooling, a feeling like food is getting stuck in the throat, discomfort in the chest or throat, coughing or choking when eating, tiredness after eating, shortness of breath, congestion in the chest after eating, frequent respiratory problems, change in facial color (blue or pale skin) during eating, vomiting or spitting up, foods or liquids that come out of the nose, and weight loss.
Treatment for Dysphagia
Specific treatments for children with swallowing disorders depend on the age and condition of the child. The overall health, extent of the disorder, type of disease and your child’s tolerance will come into play before deciding the right treatment. While occupational or speech therapy can help some children with swallowing problems, others have to go through more intense treatments such as surgery.
Conclusion
Dysphagia in children can be a frustrating and scary thing to deal with for a parent. If you see any signs of a swallowing problem in your child, be sure to bring them to a doctor as soon as possible to get it diagnosed. Swallowing problems can be severe and dangerous if not looked into immediately. Keep your child safe and healthy and consult a professional for treatment options.
Source: http://www.asha.org/public/speech/swallowing/FeedSwallowChildren.htm
