What Causes Dysphagia?

Discussion Swallowing is a complex process with 4 phases: Preparatory – food is moistened with saliva, chewed and prepared into a bolus by teeth, tongue and hard palate. Oral – food bolus is moved into oropharynx by tongue and triggers the swallow reflex. Soft palate elevates to prevent nasopharyngeal reflux. Pharyngeal – food bolus is moved through the oropharynx and hypopharynx to the esophagus. Respiration stops briefly with vocal fold adduction and larynx elevation to prevent aspiration. Esophageal – the cricopharyngeaul muscle relaxes which allows the food bolus into the esophagus where it is propelled into the stomach by smooth muscle action. Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing and is thought to occur in about <1% of the pediatric population. Although a 10 week fetus can do some swallowing, a fully organized swallow does not develop until approximately 34 weeks. Some children may not be very efficient in swallowing until term (38 weeks +). Dysphagia is more common in premature infants (~10%) and in those that are premature and < 1500 grams and occurs in about 25% of these patients. Oral food aversion occurs when a patient refuses to eat but has the ability to eat. This is distinct from dysphagia. Common problems patients present with include refusing to eat, slow eating, drooling and residual food retention, reflux into nose or mouth, posturing with feeding, choking, aspiration (overt or silent), stridor, coughing, throat clearing, pain in ...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news