Feeding Disorders

1
Feeding Disorders

• Christina Poulter

2
Some Feeding Disorders

• Gastroesophageal Reflux
• Aspiration
• Dysphagia
• Motility Problems and Blockages
• Poor Oro-Motor Skills
• Postural Problems
• Oral Adversions

3
Gastroesophageal Reflux

• Reflux is a condition in which the stomach acid
  is sent back up into the digestive tract.
• This causes pain,burning discomfort and sometimes
  vomiting (may not come all the way up).
• The child may show discomfort, squirming and
  screaming, or coughing during or shortly after
  feeding.
• It can be maintained through medication and
  leaving the child upright an hour after eating.
• Animation of Reflux
• Personal Stories

4
Aspiration

• Aspiration is accidentally inhaling food or
  objects.
• It can occur before, during, or after swallowing.
  (Or as a result of Reflux)
• Signs can include apnea, coughing, increased
  congestion, or wheezing during meals.
• Can cause pneumonia or bronchitis depending on
  the frequency.

5
Dysphagia

• Dysphagia deals with difficulty in the swallowing
  process.
• There are four parts to the swallowing process.
• Oral Preparatory
• Oral Transport
• Pharyngeal Transfer
• Esophageal Transport
• Online Support
• More Information

6
Motility Problems and Blockages

• These refer to the Digestive System
• A blockage in the digestive system could cause
  reflux or slow motility.
• Motility can also be affected by weak muscles.
• If the motility problems are severe a procedure
  called a fundoplication will be preformed
  (twisting of the top section of the stomach
  around the esophagus).
• More Information

7
Poor Oro-Motor Skills

• This is seen in children who have been intubated
  or on feeding tubes that have damaged their
  ability to
• Suck
• Bite
• Chew
• Move food around the mouth
• Swallow
• Regular sessions with a therapist can help
  strengthen these skills.

8
Oral Adversions

• This results from medical or physical feeding
  problems.
• The child is terrified of food because of the
  pain he/she experienced.
• Be Patient

9
Poor Weight Gain

• Cerebral Palsey
• High metabolism rate
• Absorption Problems
• Trouble absorbing fat
• Growth Retardation
• Dwarfism
• Russell Silver Syndrome
• Williams Syndrome