Dysphagia means trouble swallowing. This condition happens when food or liquids can’t pass easily from your child’s mouth, into the throat, down the esophagus, and into the stomach when swallowing. Show
What causes dysphagia in a child?Swallowing happens in 4 stages. Swallowing problems happen when something goes wrong in one or more of these stages. Dysphagia can be long-term (chronic). Or it may come on suddenly. If your child’s swallowing issues start suddenly and your child is normally healthy, your child may have something stuck in the esophagus. If your child has trouble swallowing and a fever, it may be because of an infection. Chronic swallowing problems are often caused by another health problem. Which children are at risk for dysphagia?The following health problems make it more likely for a child to have problems swallowing:
What are the symptoms of dysphagia in a child?Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. They can include:
The symptoms of this condition may look like symptoms of other health problems. Make sure your child sees a healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is dysphagia diagnosed in a child?Your child’s healthcare provider will ask about your child’s health history. Then, he or she will give your child an exam. The healthcare provider will also ask about how your child eats and if you notice any problems during feedings. Your child may need a blood test if the healthcare provider thinks there’s an infection. Your child may also need an imaging test or other tests. These tests may include the following: Barium swallow and upper GI seriesYour child is given small amounts of barium to drink. This is a metallic, chalky liquid that coats the inside of organs. This helps them show up on X-rays better. Your child’s healthcare provider will take a series of X-rays to see what happens as your child swallows the liquid. EndoscopyIn this test, a small, flexible tube (endoscope) is used to look at the inside of your child’s digestive tract. This tube has a light and a camera lens at the end of it. During the test, your child may have tissue samples removed from the throat, esophagus, and stomach. Your child’s healthcare provider will test these samples. Esophageal manometryYour child’s healthcare provider will guide a small tube with a pressure gauge through your child’s mouth and into the esophagus. The pressure gauge checks the pressure in your child’s esophagus. This can tell how well food moves through your child’s esophagus. Your child will get medicine to help relax and prevent pain (sedation) for this test. LaryngoscopyYour child’s healthcare provider will place a tube into your child’s throat. This is done to check if your child’s throat is narrowed or has any other problems. Your child will be under anesthesia for this test. How is dysphagia treated in a child?Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is and what’s causing your child’s dysphagia. Infection or an object in the esophagusIf your child’s swallowing issues start suddenly, your child may have something stuck in his or her esophagus. If your child has trouble swallowing and a fever, it may be from an infection. These can both be emergencies. Your child will need medical help right away. Chronic dysphagiaIf your child has chronic dysphagia or dysphagia caused by a health condition, speech or occupational therapy may help. Your child will learn exercises and feeding techniques to swallow better. Your child may be able to swallow thick fluids and soft foods better than thin liquids. Your child’s healthcare provider may suggest giving baby foods or pureed foods. Some babies who had trouble swallowing formula or breastmilk do better when they’re old enough to eat baby foods. Dysphagia with GERDIf your child also has GERD, treatment for GERD may help your child swallow better. When your child’s esophagus and throat aren’t as irritated by acid reflux, they may work better. GERD may be treated with feeding changes or medicine. Eosinophilic esophagitisIf your child is diagnosed with this condition, a particular elimination diet is often tried for treatment. Medicines may also be tried. Esophageal strictureChildren who have scarring or narrowing of the esophagus may need a test. In this procedure, your child’s healthcare provider may widen (dilate) his or her esophagus. Your child will need to be under anesthesia for this. Your child may need to have this procedure repeated. What are the possible complications of dysphagia in a child?This condition can cause aspiration. This happens when food or liquids go into your child’s windpipe and lungs. This can lead to pneumonia and other serious lung problems. Children with dysphagia often have trouble eating enough. This can cause poor nutrition. They may not gain enough weight to grow properly. Some children with dysphagia will have long-term problems. Some children’s ability to swallow may not improve much. This is more likely in children who also have other health problems, such as nerve or muscle issues. Other children may learn to eat and drink better. Ask your child's healthcare provider about your child’s outlook. Your child may need to see a team of healthcare providers who specialize in feeding and swallowing. Your child’s team may include a nutritionist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, psychologist, gastroenterologist, allergist, and an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. When should I call my child's healthcare provider?Call your child’s healthcare provider if your child has trouble swallowing or feeding. If your child suddenly has trouble swallowing, seek medical help right away. If your child has dysphagia and develops new symptoms, such as trouble breathing, get help right away. Key points about dysphagia in children
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:
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