Pediatric dysphagia (swallowing disorder)

At Children’s HealthSM, our speech pathology and rehabilitation medicine experts diagnose and treat children with all levels of needs related to swallowing disorders, which are also called dysphagia. Together, with their parents and other specialists, we help children safely and independently eat and drink, as well as enjoy a more typical diet.

What causes pediatric dysphagia? 

Some of the most common reasons a child develops dysphagia include: 

  • Cancer or tumors near the head and neck 

  • Chemotherapy, radiation or surgery for cancer  

  • Cleft lip or cleft palate 

  • Compression of the esophagus by an enlarged heart, thyroid gland, blood vessels or lymph nodes 

  • Craniofacial abnormalities  

  • Dental problems  

  • Developmental delays 

  • Large tongue or tonsils 

  • Neuromuscular diseases like pediatric stroke, muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy 

  • Head, neck and brain injuries  

  • Digestive tract malformations 

  • Sensitivity in the mouth or irritation of vocal cords that can occur in children who have been on a ventilator for a prolonged period of time 

  • Having a tracheostomy (artificial opening in the throat for breathing) 

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) 

  • Prematurity 

How is pediatric dysphagia treated? 

Children’s Health SLPs are equipped to treat all types of dysphagia. We create individual treatment plans for each child and partner with other experts like physical and occupational therapists and dieticians to be sure that your child gets all the help they need. 

Therapy plan may include:  

  • Chewing and swallowing exercises to build coordinated strength between muscles, broaden range of motion and increase your child’s ability to control food and liquid 

  • Electric stimulation therapy (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)) to stimulate muscles involved in the chewing and swallowing process, as well as increase the pressure needed to push food down the esophagus  

  • Surgery to help widen the esophagus 

  • Posture and positioning techniques to minimize resistance and support muscle movement 

  • Feeding therapy to help decrease sensitivity or dislike of foods and liquids 

They may also make recommendations like:   

  • Adjusting your child’s diet  

  • Changing things like the nipple, bottle, cup or utensils that your child uses to eat in order to decrease the risk for inhaling food or liquid 

  • Pacing mealtime, quantity of food and size of bites or drinks 

Pediatric dysphagia (swallowing disorder) doctors and providers

Frequently Asked Questions

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