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As all parents know, it's normal for kids to be picky, tantrum during meals, and be really messy while eating. However, there are also some really important signs professionals look for to see if there may be something more going on. This is especially true for children with complicated medical histories or who are already receiving services for other issues, but they may also occur without a known cause.
***If you have any concerns with your child's swallowing or feeding skills, speak to your pediatrician or other healthcare provider immediately.***
After you contact your healthcare provider, also notify your child's developmental therapy providers, if you notice any of the symptoms below.
Signs and symptoms can happen during or right after eating. Or they may happen over time. Your child may not have all of these signs and symptoms. The signs and symptoms may depend on the age of your child, the severity of the issues, and other medical issues they have.
Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia)
Swallowing disorders are difficulties with moving food/liquid from the mouth, throat, or esophagus into the stomach. They can lead to aspiration (food/liquid entering the airway or lungs) and can result in serious health issues, such as pneumonia.
Symptoms of swallowing disorders may include:
Some children who aspirate do not have any signs or symptoms. This is called silent aspiration.
Choking or coughing while feeding
Crying or fussing when feeding
Red face, watery eyes, or facial grimaces
Refusing to eat or drink
Stopping of breathing or faster breathing while feeding
Wet sounding voice or breathing after feeding
Slight fever after meals
Complaints of food feeling stuck or coming back up
Wheezing or other breathing problems
Repeated lung or airway infections
Not gaining weight or growing
For more information about aspiration in babies and children visit: https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions---pediatrics/a/aspiration-in-babies-and-children.html
Visit the American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders to find a specialist: https://www.swallowingdisorders.org/search/custom.asp?id=1177
Visit the National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders for support and resources: https://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/
Feeding Disorders
Feeding disorders include problems with sucking, eating from a spoon, chewing, or drinking from a cup.
Symptoms of feeding disorders may include:
Arching the back or stiffening when feeding
Falling asleep when feeding
Having/ have had problem breastfeeding
Refusing to eat or drink
Eating only certain textures, such as soft food or crunchy food
Taking a long time to eat
Pocketing food (which means to hold food in their mouth)
Having problems chewing
Drooling a lot or have liquid come out of their mouth or nose
Not gaining weight or growing
Find a feeding specialist, as well as resources and support: https://www.feedingmatters.org/resources-support/provider-directory/
For more information about swallowing and feeding disorders visit: https://www.asha.org/public/speech/swallowing/feeding-and-swallowing-disorders-in-children/#signs