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Coordinate Mapping of Hyolaryngeal Mechanics in Swallowing
Published on: May 6, 2014
The pattern of dysphagia in children
Mohammad Issa El Mouzan1, Asaad Mohammad Abdullah, Ibrahim Abdulkarim Al-Mofleh
1King Saud University, College of Medicine and King Khaled University Hospital Division of Gastroenterology, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. drmouzan@gmail.com
Annals of Saudi Medicine
|January 28, 2006
Summary
Pediatric dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is common, with esophagitis and strictures being frequent causes in Saudi children. This study highlights patterns similar to international findings.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Dysphagia is a common but under-reported condition in pediatric populations.
- Limited literature exists on the specific patterns of pediatric dysphagia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical characteristics and etiological patterns of dysphagia in children.
- To analyze age-related differences in dysphagia causes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for 42 children diagnosed with dysphagia.
- Data collected included age, nationality, gender, and diagnosis.
Main Results:
- The majority of patients (96%) were Saudi nationals, aged 3 months to 18 years.
- Etiologic diagnoses were identified in 72% of cases.
- Common causes included esophagitis (38%), esophageal strictures (17%), and motility disorders (10%).
- Esophagitis and strictures were more prevalent in younger children, while unknown causes were more common in older children.
Conclusions:
- The pattern of pediatric dysphagia in Saudi Arabia aligns with international observations.
- Understanding these patterns aids in diagnosis and management of pediatric swallowing difficulties.
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