Feeding and Swallowing Disorders in Children
Signs of Feeding and Swallowing Disorders
Your child may have a feeding or swallowing problem if she:
- Arches her back or stiffens when feeding
- Cries or fusses when feeding
- Falls asleep when feeding
- Has problems breast feeding
- Has trouble breathing while eating and drinking
- Refuses to eat or drink
- Eats only certain textures, such as soft food or crunchy food
- Takes a long time to eat
- Has problems chewing
- Coughs or gags during meals
- Drools a lot or has liquid come out her mouth or nose
- Gets stuffy during meals
- Has a gurgly, hoarse, or breathy voice during or after meals
- Spits up or throws up a lot
- Is not gaining weight or growing
Causes of Feeding and Swallowing Disorders
There are many possible causes for feeding and swallowing problems, including:
- nervous system disorders, like cerebral palsy or meningitis
- reflux or other stomach problems
- being premature or having a low birth weight
- heart disease
- cleft lip or palate
- breathing problems, like asthma or other diseases
- autism
- head and neck problems
- muscle weakness in the face and neck
- medicines that make her sleepy or not hungry
- sensory issues
- behavior problems
Treatment for Feeding and Swallowing Disorders
The SLP or feeding team may suggest:
- medical treatment, like medicines for reflux
- feeding therapy
- trying different foods or adding calories to food
- ways to get your child to try new foods or textures
- changing hot or cold food
The SLP may work as part of a feeding team. Other team members may include:
- an occupational therapist
- a physical therapist
- a physician or nurse
- a dietitian or nutritionist
- a developmental specialist
- a social worker
- a lactation consultant