Swallowing Disorders

A swallowing disorder is any trouble using the mouth, lips, tongue or throat to control the flow of food or drink during feeding. Pediatric swallowing difficulty can indicate a congenital deformity or behavioral challenge.

It’s important to diagnose the problem accurately and quickly so your child can eat and drink age-appropriate nutrition. Children with a swallowing disorder are at risk for dehydration, poor nutrition, aspiration, pneumonia and embarrassment.

Symptoms of a Swallowing Disorder

• Choking on food or liquid
• Runny nose or watery eyes with meals
• Food refusal
• Low grade fever following meals
• Difficulty chewing

Children born premature are at particularly high risk for a swallowing difficulty.

Contact Pediatric ENT of Oklahoma if you suspect your child might suffer from a feeding or swallowing disorder.