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Improved infant swallowing after gastroesophageal reflux disease treatment: a function of improved laryngeal

Dana L Suskind1, Dana M Thompson, Martha Gulati

  • 1Section of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. dsuskind@surgery.bsd.uchicago.edu

The Laryngoscope
|August 4, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children significantly improved swallowing function and sensation. This suggests GERD control is vital for pediatric swallowing health.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Swallowing Disorders
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common in infants and children.
  • GERD can lead to significant feeding and swallowing difficulties, impacting growth and development.
  • Dysphagia and aspiration are serious complications associated with GERD in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment on pediatric swallowing function.
  • To evaluate changes in laryngopharyngeal sensation and swallowing efficiency post-GERD intervention.
  • To determine the relationship between GERD control and the resolution of pediatric swallowing dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart and database review at two tertiary children's hospitals.
  • Inclusion of pediatric patients (1-32 months) with diagnosed GERD and dysphagia (aspiration or pooling).
  • Assessment of swallowing function and laryngopharyngeal sensation before and after medical or surgical GERD treatment.

Main Results:

  • Significant improvements in both swallowing function and sensory testing were observed after GERD treatment.
  • Children demonstrated enhanced ability to swallow and improved laryngeal sensation post-intervention.
  • The study provides quantitative evidence of positive outcomes following GERD management.

Conclusions:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can negatively affect laryngopharyngeal sensitivity, contributing to swallowing problems in children.
  • Effective control of GERD through medical or surgical means can lead to notable improvements in pediatric swallowing.
  • These findings highlight the clinical importance of addressing GERD to manage pediatric dysphagia, warranting further investigation.
Abstract

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