Understanding Feeding and Swallowing Disorders

A feeding disorder is defined as a delay in the development of eating and drinking skills and is characterized by the inability to gather and/or suck, chew or swallow food effectively. A swallowing disorder, also known as dysphagia, references any difficulties related to the management of saliva, the intake of medicines and the introduction, transfer and transport of food and liquid from the mouth into the stomach through the esophagus. The most common symptom of dysphagia is the inability to swallow solid food without the sensation of the food becoming “stuck” or regurgitation.

Causes of feeding and swallowing disorders include:

• Autism
• Neck and head abnormalities or muscle weakness in those areas
• Cerebral palsy, meningitis or other nervous system disorders
• Gastrointestinal conditions (e.g., reflux, "short gut" syndrome)
• Heart disease
• Low birth rate
• Cleft lip and/or palate
• Respiratory or airway difficulties
• Medications that may cause lethargy or decreased appetite
• Problems with parent-child interactions at meal times

Severe feeding and swallowing disorders may result in malnutrition, poor hydration and reduced respiratory health.

Treatments by a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) for a feeding disorder will consist of the development of a behavioral feeding program that focuses on learning a new behavior (i.e. learning to chew), practicing the new behaviors and completing the learned behavior with different foods in a variety of environments.

The SLP will make the diagnosis for a feeding or swallowing disorder after a review of symptoms and medical conditions, the strength and movement of the muscles involved in the swallowing process, observing eating and drinking behaviors and performing special tests as necessary. Treatments for swallowing disorders include recommendations for exercises and positions to improve swallowing and suggestions for foods and liquids with textures that are easier to swallow.

If you have any questions about our office or are interested in making an appointment, please give us a call at 877-EAR-NOSE or visit us online for more information. To keep up with the latest from our office, be sure to visit our Facebook Page.