Desperate Mom's Struggle: Child's Severe Throat Issues Explained

A helpless mother?

My child is in the second grade this year.
On February 10, he swallowed a piece of large intestine and got choked by it.
I managed to help him.
On February 15, he felt a foreign body sensation in his throat, as if there was something stuck.
Every time he tried to eat, he felt like he was going to choke, and his throat was sore.
On February 17, I took him to the emergency department at National Cheng Kung University in Tainan.
An X-ray showed no foreign body, but there was some inflammation (he was given medication).
However, there was no improvement, and he still couldn't swallow a single bite of food.
On March 1, we went to an ENT specialist to perform a nasopharyngoscopy, but my child couldn't cooperate, so the procedure couldn't be done.
Many people encouraged him and tried to reassure him, telling him not to be afraid to swallow, but he still couldn't swallow anything.
As long as it wasn't liquid, he couldn't get it down.
My child is losing weight day by day and has started to feel dizzy and experience a rapid heartbeat.
As a mother, I am exhausted from worrying about his inability to eat.
Our whole family is struggling to cope with this situation.
It's chaotic.
We have tried everything; Western medicine says it's a psychological issue, while traditional Chinese medicine says it's a blockage of energy.
Spiritual advisors say he is stuck.
No matter what we try, he just can't swallow.
I am deeply afraid that my child will starve, and I feel completely helpless.
I am really tired.
(My child has enlarged tonsils, but they haven't reached the point of needing surgery yet.)

Tsai, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/03/04

Dr. Hu Kexin reply Otolaryngology

It is recommended to first schedule an appointment with an otolaryngologist for evaluation, and consider making an appointment with a pediatric psychiatrist for assistance.

Reply Date: 2013/03/04

More Info

Dear Desperate Mom,
I can only imagine the distress and helplessness you must be feeling as you navigate your child's severe throat issues. It’s clear that you have been proactive in seeking medical help, but the ongoing challenges are understandably overwhelming. Let’s break down the situation and explore potential avenues for support and solutions.

From what you’ve described, your child experienced a traumatic incident with food that has led to significant anxiety around swallowing. This is not uncommon in children, especially after a choking incident. The psychological impact of such an event can manifest as a fear of swallowing, which may lead to avoidance behaviors, such as refusing to eat solid foods. This can create a vicious cycle where the fear of swallowing leads to further physical symptoms, such as throat pain or discomfort, which in turn exacerbates the anxiety.

Medical Evaluation
1. Continued Medical Assessment: It’s crucial to continue working with healthcare professionals. Since the X-ray did not reveal any foreign objects, and your child is experiencing significant distress, it may be beneficial to consult a pediatric gastroenterologist. They can conduct further evaluations, such as an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), to assess the throat and esophagus directly. This procedure allows doctors to visualize the upper digestive tract and can help identify any underlying issues that may not be visible through X-rays.

2. Speech and Swallowing Therapy: A speech-language pathologist (SLP) specializing in swallowing disorders can provide invaluable support. They can work with your child to gradually reintroduce swallowing through safe and controlled methods. This therapy often includes exercises to strengthen the throat muscles and techniques to reduce anxiety around eating.

Psychological Support
1. Addressing Anxiety: Given the psychological component of your child’s symptoms, it may be beneficial to involve a child psychologist or counselor. They can help your child process the trauma of the choking incident and develop coping strategies to manage anxiety related to eating. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for anxiety disorders and can help your child reframe their thoughts about swallowing.

2. Family Support: It’s essential to create a supportive environment at home. Encourage open communication about fears and feelings. Validate your child’s emotions and reassure them that it’s okay to feel scared. Sometimes, involving siblings or other family members in mealtime can help normalize the experience and reduce pressure on your child.

Nutritional Considerations
1. Nutritional Support: Since your child is struggling to eat solid foods, it’s important to ensure they are still receiving adequate nutrition. Consult a pediatric nutritionist who can help design a meal plan that includes soft foods, smoothies, and other nutritious options that are easier to swallow. They can also suggest supplements if necessary to prevent malnutrition.

2. Hydration: Ensure your child stays hydrated, as dehydration can lead to further health complications. Encourage them to drink fluids regularly, and consider offering smoothies or soups that are easier to consume.

Holistic Approaches
1. Mind-Body Techniques: Techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, or even gentle yoga can help reduce anxiety. These practices can teach your child how to manage their stress and anxiety, making it easier for them to approach eating with a calmer mindset.

2. Alternative Therapies: While you mentioned trying various approaches, consider exploring therapies such as acupuncture or herbal remedies under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. These can sometimes help alleviate physical symptoms and promote a sense of well-being.

Conclusion
Your child’s situation is complex, and it’s understandable that you feel exhausted and overwhelmed. Remember that you are not alone in this journey. Seeking help from a multidisciplinary team that includes medical professionals, therapists, and nutritionists can provide a comprehensive approach to addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of your child’s condition.
Take care of yourself as well during this challenging time. Your well-being is crucial for supporting your child effectively. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support from friends, family, or support groups for parents facing similar challenges. You are doing your best, and that is commendable.

Wishing you and your family strength and healing.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Feeding Difficulties in Toddlers: When to Seek Help

Hello, my daughter is one year and ten months old and was born at 36 weeks as part of a set of twins. She weighed only 1306 grams at birth and has always had difficulty breastfeeding, often spilling milk from the corners of her mouth. The doctor said this is normal. As she grew o...

Dr. Jian Huangqi reply Otolaryngology
You should visit a medical center to see a specialist in person. Thank you.

Addressing Throat and Hearing Issues in Children: A Guide for Parents

Hello, my daughter is almost 4 years old and has hearing impairment, with moderate to severe loss in both ears. The doctor mentioned that a CT scan indicated an issue with the ossicles. She uses both air conduction and bone conduction hearing aids (alternating between them). Sinc...

Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
The overall assessment of your child includes pediatric mental health (pediatrics or psychiatry) and learning abilities (pediatrics or psychiatry), articulation issues (otolaryngology or rehabilitation), hearing problems, and the effectiveness of hearing aids (otolaryngology). If...

Understanding Croup in Children: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about pediatric "croup" and have the following questions... 1. Common pathogens? 2. Causes of the disease? 3. Routes of infection? 4. Symptoms? 5. Treatment options? 6. Nursing measures? If you find the questions too numerous, you m...

Dr. Lin Wenxian reply Pediatrics
Director Lin Wen-Hsien of the Pediatric Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, replies: I believe the parent is inquiring about croup, which refers to a viral laryngotracheobronchitis, a common pediatric condition. Here are the details: 1. Common pathogen...

Understanding Dysphagia: Causes and Solutions for Swallowing Difficulties

Hello doctor, my mother has recently been unable to swallow, not even a small sip of water. She also has no saliva production and can barely extend her tongue (at most, it reaches her lips and has limited lateral movement). She struggles to open her mouth (the sounds for "ah...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: If you are experiencing persistent difficulty swallowing, it is recommended that you return to the hospital or go directly to the emergency department for evaluation. Wishing you safety and health! Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, ...