Difficulty with chewing and swallowing, also known as dysphagia, can be a significant concern for young children. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, and other health problems. If you are a parent who is concerned about your child's ability to chew or swallow their food properly, read on to learn more about the signs, symptoms, underlying causes, and treatment options for dysphagia. 

Signs and Symptoms of Dysphagia  

Here are some common signs and symptoms of dysphagia that parents may observe in their child:  

• Coughing, gagging, or choking during or after meals 

• Difficulty initiating swallowing or taking a long time to complete a swallow 

• Refusal to eat certain foods or textures 

• Drooling excessively while eating 

• Gurgling or wet vocal quality while eating or drinking 

• Holding food in the mouth without swallowing 

• Recurring respiratory infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis  

Underlying Causes of Dysphagia  

There can be several underlying causes of dysphagia in children including:  

• Anatomical abnormalities

• Developmental delays  

• Neuromuscular disorders  

• Other medical conditions such as cerebral palsy, down syndrome or autism.  

Recommendations  

It is important to seek help if you suspect your child may have a swallowing disorder. With early intervention and proper treatment from a speech-language pathologist most children with dysphagia can learn to eat and drink safely and effectively.  A speech-language pathologist can evaluate a child with dysphagia and develop a treatment plan to address the underlying issues. Treatment may include exercises to strengthen the muscles used in swallowing; changes in diet or feeding techniques; and other strategies designed specifically for improving the child's swallowing function.  

Conclusion  

Difficulty with chewing and swallowing can be concerning for parents but with proper support from healthcare professionals such as speech-language pathologists, most children with dysphagia can overcome their challenges and learn to eat and drink safely. If you suspect that your child may be experiencing dysphagia or having difficulty chewing and swallowing food, seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional for immediate evaluation and treatment.