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Dysphagia and aspiration in children
Author(s) -
Tutor James D.,
Gosa Memorie M.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
pediatric pulmonology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.866
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1099-0496
pISSN - 8755-6863
DOI - 10.1002/ppul.21576
Subject(s) - medicine , dysphagia , swallowing , aspiration pneumonia , oropharyngeal dysphagia , intensive care medicine , pulmonary aspiration , cough reflex , disease , airway , pediatrics , surgery , pneumonia , pathology
Aspiration is a significant cause of respiratory morbidity and sometimes mortality in children. It occurs when airway protective reflexes fail, especially, when dysphagia is also present. Clinical symptoms and physical findings of aspiration can be nonspecific. Advances in technology can lead to early diagnosis of dysphagia and aspiration, and, new therapeutic advances can significantly improve outcome and prognosis. This report first reviews the anatomy and physiology involved in the normal process of swallowing. Next, the protective reflexes that help to prevent aspiration are discussed followed by the pathophysiologic events that occur after an aspiration event. Various disease processes that can result in dysphagia and aspiration in children are discussed. Finally, the various methods for diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia in children are reviewed. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:321–337. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.