Effective Swallowing Training Techniques for Children with Dysphagia

Swallowing training

The child in the third grade has poor swallowing and chewing abilities, often filling their mouth with food and struggling to swallow it in smaller bites.
What can be done to enhance their training? Is speech therapy necessary?

Miss Zheng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/12/01

Dr. Yin Xinbei reply Rehabilitation

Poor chewing ability should first rule out dental issues, and a dentist should be consulted to address any occlusal problems.
For poor swallowing ability, an appointment can be made with a rehabilitation department, where a speech therapist will conduct an evaluation.

Reply Date: 2015/12/01

More Info

Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a common issue among children and can significantly impact their nutrition and overall health. Effective swallowing training techniques can help improve a child's swallowing and chewing abilities, especially in cases where they tend to overfill their mouths or struggle to manage food properly. Here are some strategies and considerations for addressing dysphagia in children:

1. Consult a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP):
- The first step in addressing swallowing difficulties is to consult a qualified speech-language pathologist who specializes in pediatric dysphagia. An SLP can conduct a thorough assessment to determine the specific nature of the swallowing difficulties and develop a tailored treatment plan.

2. Swallowing Exercises:
- Tongue Exercises: Encourage the child to perform tongue exercises, such as moving the tongue side to side, up and down, and pushing against a spoon or tongue depressor. This can help strengthen the tongue muscles, which are crucial for effective swallowing.

- Chewing Exercises: Use soft foods that require more chewing to help the child practice breaking down food. Gradually introduce firmer textures as their skills improve.

3. Positioning:
- Proper positioning during meals is essential. Ensure the child is seated upright in a chair with their feet flat on the ground. This position can help facilitate better swallowing and reduce the risk of aspiration (food entering the airway).

4. Pacing and Portion Control:
- Encourage the child to take smaller bites and chew thoroughly before swallowing. You can use visual cues, such as a timer, to help them pace their eating. Remind them to swallow before taking another bite.

5. Use of Thickened Liquids:
- If the child has difficulty with liquids, consider using thickening agents to modify the consistency of drinks. Thicker liquids can be easier to control and swallow.

6. Positive Reinforcement:
- Use positive reinforcement to encourage the child during mealtimes. Praise them for using proper swallowing techniques and for making progress, no matter how small.

7. Modeling and Demonstration:
- Demonstrate proper chewing and swallowing techniques. Children often learn by watching adults, so showing them how to chew and swallow can be beneficial.

8. Incorporate Fun Activities:
- Make swallowing practice enjoyable by incorporating games or activities that involve chewing and swallowing. For example, using soft foods to create fun shapes or using straws for drinking can make the process more engaging.

9. Regular Follow-Up:
- Regular follow-up appointments with the SLP are crucial to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed. This ensures that the child continues to improve and that any new challenges are addressed promptly.

10. Nutritional Considerations:
- Ensure that the child is receiving adequate nutrition. If swallowing difficulties are severe, a nutritionist may be consulted to ensure the child is meeting their dietary needs, possibly through modified diets or supplements.

Conclusion:
In summary, addressing swallowing difficulties in children requires a comprehensive approach that includes professional assessment, targeted exercises, proper positioning, and positive reinforcement. Speech-language therapy is often essential in developing effective swallowing techniques. If you suspect your child has dysphagia, it is advisable to seek professional help to ensure they receive the appropriate care and support. Early intervention can lead to significant improvements in swallowing abilities, enhancing the child's quality of life and overall health.

Similar Q&A

Managing Swallowing Difficulties After Stroke: Expert Advice

Director Chen: My uncle had a stroke six months ago, and he still has difficulty swallowing, often choking, and his speech is somewhat unclear. How should we address this? Thank you.

Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. You may visit a rehabilitation department for speech therapy, where the therapist will teach you swallowing techniques and pronunciation exercises. 2. At home, you can use medical gauze to wrap ice cu...

Understanding Swallowing Difficulties: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Hello, I have been experiencing symptoms of dysphagia for three years, but it has recently worsened to the point where I can only eat porridge (as I used to manage solid and fibrous foods with water). I consulted a neurologist who conducted a preliminary examination, assessed my ...

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It is recommended to undergo an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) to rule out esophageal disorders. If the esophageal structure is normal, other issues or neurological problems related to swallowing may be considered. Best wishes, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan General Hospital...

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

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 lik...

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.

Nutrition Strategies for Improving Growth in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Hello, I have a five-year-old child who is currently 90 cm tall and weighs 9 kg. He has cerebral palsy, renal tubular acidosis, and a rare mitochondrial disorder. What can be done to help him develop better, improve his strength, and gain weight? Thank you.

Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! If a child has poor chewing and swallowing abilities, it is recommended to first consult with a rehabilitation specialist. Given the child's unique health condition, it is best to take them to a hospital where a dietitian can conduct a comprehensive assessment and pro...