Infant dysphagia treatment

Ashley Brinkmeyer, MS CCC-SLP

Feeding and swallowing problems (dysphagia) in infants can occur for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to: cleft palate, preterm birth, heart or lung conditions, brain injury, or a variety of genetic disorders. Dysphagia is often identified in the hospital before discharge, but can occur at any time.

Infant Dysphagia Symptoms:

Aspiration is the accidental sucking in of food or fluid into the lungs. It is a common sign of infant dysphagia and requires medical attention. Here are some of the signs you might see if your child is aspirating while feeding:

• Difficulty coordinating the suck, swallow, breathe sequence when drinking from breast or bottle. 

• Coughing

• Gagging 

• Changes in breathing during feeds 

• Choking

• Turning color during or after feedings

• Congestion before or after feeding

Infants may not demonstrate obvious signs of aspiration (liquids entering the lungs)  as listed above, but can communicate discomfort during feeding by showing refusal signs. The following are refusal signs: 

• Infant turns away from breast or bottle

• Arches back or stiffens while feeding

• Falls asleep during feeding

• Watery eyes during feeding

• Excessive milk spillage out of mouth

• Audible gulps while drinking

Dysphagia may result in inadequate protection of the airway while drinking and eating, which can cause aspiration. Aspiration can lead to pneumonia, malnutrition, or dehydration.

Infant Dysphagia Treatment:

Treatment of dysphagia can include thickening milk/formula, adjusting positioning of infants, educating parents on refusal signs, or possibly recommending tube feeding. These are all things to be discussed and practiced with a medical professional.