When one finds difficulty in swallowing, there is probably something wrong in the execution of one of these phases. This condition is called ‘Dysphagia’. This is a common problem in children.

1. Swallowing disorder
(dysphagia)
SYMPTOMS | CAUSES | DAIGNOSIS | TREATMENT

2.  Difficulty swallowing is also called dysphagia
 It is usually a sign of a problem with your throat or
esophagus, the muscular tube that moves food and
liquids from the back of your mouth to your stomach.
 Although dysphagia can happen to anyone, it is most
common in older adults, premature babies, and
people with problems of the brain and nervous
system.

3. Damage to any of the organs, muscles, or nerves involved in
the swallowing process leads to dysphagia. Some of the
causes are listed below:
• Damage to brain or nervous system: Nervous system
disorders like, stroke, Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy,
motor neurone disease, and multiple sclerosis may cause
dysphagia, if any nerve involved in the swallowing process
is affected.
• CHILDREN :- Foreign body and congenital malformation

4.  Structural problems: Narrow oesophagus, large tongue,
cleft lip, large tonsils and dental problems are some
structural disorders that make chewing or swallowing of
food difficult, thereby leading to dysphagia.
 Muscular Damage: Muscular disorders like muscular
dystrophy can affect the muscles involved in the
process of swallowing, thus causing dysphagia.
Scleroderma and achalasia are other causes, wherein
they may affect the oesophagus, thus leading to
dysphagia.

5. Every child suffering from dysphagia may show different
symptoms. The following are some of the symptoms that are
observed:
 Babies suffering from dysphagia are unable to coordinate
sucking and swallowing breast- or bottle-milk. They may
arch their bodies, while feeding.
 Taking a long time to eat.
 Drooling, vomiting, or coughing, frequent sneezing after
eating or difficulty in chewing food.
 Unable to coordinate breathing with eating and/or
drinking.
 Change in voice before or after eating.

6.  Oral-pharyngeal video swallow: The child is fed any liquid
or solid food that contains barium. Barium, a non-toxic
element, is used as it visible on X-rays. The X-ray helps to
examine what exactly happens when the child swallows
food.
 Barium swallow: The child is given liquid containing
barium, and X-rays are taken. Any problems in mouth,
oesophagus, or stomach are noted. This test helps to
know the exact cause of the swallowing problem.
 Endoscopy: The child is given anaesthesia, and an
endoscope is inserted in the digestive track. An
endoscope is a flexible pipe with a light and a camera at
the inserted end. Images of the mouth, oesophagus and
stomach are taken to locate the problem.

7. Dysphagia in children can be treated but the treatment
will differ for every child. Age, health, medical history of
the child are factors considered while giving the
treatment. The severity of the disease is also an important
factor. Speech and occupational therapies are some of the
treatments given to such children. These include exercises
that help in swallowing. Some children may be
hospitalized, if the condition is severe.
Dysphagia in children gives rise to other health problems.
If the form of the disease is severe, it needs urgent
treatment. If he/she is suffering from dysphagia, consult a
paediatrician at the earliest.

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