What is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia is a medical term that refers to difficulty swallowing. In children, this can be a complex issue that affects their ability to eat and drink safely.
Types of Dysphagia
There are different types of dysphagia, depending on which part of the swallowing process is affected. Let’s explore the three most common types we see in our clinic:
1. Oral Phase Dysphagia (ICD Code: R13.11)
This type affects the first phase of swallowing, which happens in the mouth (oral cavity). It involves:
- Chewing food
- Forming a bolus (a ball of food)
- Controlling food in the mouth
Possible causes of oral phase dysphagia:
- Tongue ties
- Cleft palate
- Neurological disorders
How we treat it:
- Exercises to strengthen mouth muscles
- Sensory stimulation techniques
- Changing food textures
- Using special feeding tools
2. Oropharyngeal Phase Dysphagia (ICD Code: R13.12)
This type affects how food moves from the mouth to the throat (pharynx). It involves:
- Starting the swallowing action
- Moving the food far enough back to trigger swallowing
Possible causes:
- Neurological issues
- Delayed reflexes
- Facial structure problems
How we treat it:
- Teaching special swallowing techniques
- Thickening liquids
- Exercises to strengthen swallowing muscles
- Sometimes, electrical stimulation therapy
Note: A special swallowing test (swallow study) is needed to diagnose this type.
3. Pharyngeal Phase Dysphagia (ICD Code: R13.13)
This type affects how food moves through the throat to the esophagus. It involves:
- Moving food through the throat
- Preventing food from going into the airway
Possible causes:
- Neurological issues
- Brain injuries
- Conditions present at birth
How we treat it:
- Teaching special swallowing techniques
- Exercises for throat muscles
- Taking precautions to prevent choking
Important: This type requires a thorough swallowing test and help from a medical team. It’s not something we can treat in our clinic without specific instructions from doctors.
In conclusion, at our clinic, we specialize in treating oral phase dysphagia. While oropharyngeal and pharyngeal dysphagia often require advanced diagnostic tools like Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) studies and Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Studies (VFSS), oral phase dysphagia can often be addressed with more accessible therapeutic approaches.
It’s important to understand that oral phase dysphagia in children can stem from seemingly simple issues. These may include decreased range of motion due to a tongue tie, or a low resting tongue position caused by enlarged adenoids leading to mouth breathing. While the term “dysphagia” might sound alarming, oral phase difficulties are actually quite common in young children.
Our goal is to demystify these concerns and provide effective, child-friendly treatments. By addressing these issues early, we can help ensure better eating, speaking, and overall development for your little ones. Remember, early intervention is key, and many oral phase challenges can be successfully managed with the right approach and expertise.