We recently met with a parent whose five-year-old had begun losing weight. The parent told us that mealtimes had been a struggle for a while; their child refused hard-textured foods and often choked while eating. While this was understandably alarming, we understand the signs of swallowing disorders in children–and that’s definitely what this was.
Swallowing disorders, also known as dysphagia, affect a child’s ability to eat and drink safely. If left untreated, they can lead to malnutrition and other complications, which is why recognizing these issues early on is so crucial. Swallowing disorders can be subtle, but with the right information, you can spot the signs and make sure your child gets the help they need to thrive.
Today, we want to share some common signs and symptoms of swallowing disorders in children. If you notice any of these issues in your child, schedule an appointment with the speech and occupational therapists at Endeavors Pediatric Therapy Services. Speech therapy, in particular, is an important tool in addressing swallowing disorders, and we are here to help!
What Exactly is a Swallowing Disorder?
Swallowing disorders occur when there is a problem with any part of the swallowing process. You probably don’t think about the swallowing process all that much, but it’s actually quite complicated and involves three basic steps:
- The oral phase, where food is chewed and mixed with saliva to form a manageable consistency
- The pharyngeal phase, where food passes through the throat
- The esophageal phase, where food passes through the esophagus and into the stomach
Swallowing disorder symptoms will vary based on which part of the process is affected. For example, a child who refuses certain foods may have an issue at the oral phase, while a child who coughs or gags while eating may have an issue at the pharyngeal phase.
Swallowing disorders can develop for a number of reasons, including developmental delays, neurological conditions, or structural issues in the mouth or throat. Identifying these problems early allows for timely intervention, which can make a significant difference in your child’s health and well-being.
What Are The Common Signs of a Swallowing Disorder in Children?
Because swallowing disorders are so variable, there are many signs and symptoms. Here are some of the most common ones to watch out for:
- Your child has trouble sucking, chewing, or swallowing food.
- Your child frequently coughs, chokes, gags, or vomits during meals.
- Your child tends to cry or fuss when eating.
- Your child refuses to eat or drink or only eats food with certain textures (like soft food).
- Your child tends to drool or get stuffy during meals.
- Your child takes a long time to eat.
- Your child is not gaining weight or growing at the expected rate.
Remember that not every child will have every single sign of a swallowing disorder. If you have any concerns about your child’s feeding or swallowing ability, schedule an appointment! We can run a comprehensive assessment and let you know for sure.
Speech Therapy: A Proven Approach for Addressing Swallowing Disorders
Our speech therapists have extensive knowledge about the muscles of the mouth, tongue, and throat, making us an ideal choice for addressing swallowing disorders in children. We’ll work alongside the occupational therapists at Endeavors Pediatric Therapy Services to create an intervention program tailored to your child’s unique needs.
We’ll ensure your child gets the nutrients they need to thrive through targeted mouth exercises, diet modifications, and more! Schedule an appointment at our NC clinic today to get started.
Tags: Speech Therapy, Speech Therapist, Occupational therapist, Swallowing Disorders
