Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 2026

Adapting Human Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Methods to Detect and Characterize Dysphagia in Murine Disease Models
08:32

Adapting Human Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Methods to Detect and Characterize Dysphagia in Murine Disease Models

Published on: March 1, 2015

Dysphagia and aspiration in children

James D Tutor1, Memorie M Gosa

  • 1Program in Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, LeBonheur Children's Hospital, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38103, USA. jtutor@uthsc.edu

Pediatric Pulmonology
|October 20, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric aspiration, often linked to swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), can cause serious respiratory issues. Early diagnosis and new treatments for pediatric dysphagia and aspiration significantly improve outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Speech-Language Pathology

Background:

  • Aspiration in children poses a significant risk for respiratory morbidity and mortality.
  • Failure of airway protective reflexes, particularly with concurrent dysphagia, underlies aspiration events.
  • Clinical signs of aspiration can be subtle and non-specific, complicating diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the anatomy and physiology of normal swallowing in children.
  • To discuss protective reflexes and the pathophysiology of aspiration events.
  • To explore pediatric disease processes causing dysphagia and aspiration, and review diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of swallowing anatomy, physiology, and protective reflexes.
  • Discussion of pathophysiologic events following aspiration.
  • Analysis of pediatric conditions leading to dysphagia and aspiration.
  • Review of current diagnostic and treatment modalities for pediatric dysphagia.

Main Results:

  • Normal swallowing involves complex neuromuscular coordination and protective reflexes.
  • Dysphagia significantly increases the risk of aspiration in pediatric populations.
  • Technological advancements aid in the early detection of dysphagia and aspiration.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the mechanisms of swallowing and aspiration is crucial for pediatric respiratory health.
  • Prompt diagnosis and intervention for dysphagia and aspiration can improve patient prognosis.
  • Continued advancements in diagnostics and therapeutics offer improved outcomes for children at risk.

More Related Videos

Gastric Point of Care Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation05:50

Gastric Point of Care Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation

Published on: September 22, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Achalasia01:27

Esophageal Achalasia

Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...
Pyloric Obstruction01:11

Pyloric Obstruction

Pyloric obstruction, also referred to as gastric outlet obstruction, is a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage at the pylorus—the muscular valve regulating the flow of stomach contents into the duodenum. When this passage becomes impaired, the stomach cannot effectively empty its contents into the small intestine. This disruption leads to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including early satiety, bloating, epigastric pain, postprandial nausea, persistent vomiting, and...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease01:25

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the backward flow of stomach contents (acid, pepsin, or bile) into the esophagus, causing mucosal inflammation known as esophagitis. It results from failure of antireflux mechanisms, mainly the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), influenced by mechanical and physiological factors.Etiology and Risk FactorsGERD develops when LES function is weakened or when intra-abdominal pressure increases. Risk factors include aging, obesity, and sliding hiatal hernia,...
Enteral Nutrition I: Orogastric and Nasogastric Feeding01:26

Enteral Nutrition I: Orogastric and Nasogastric Feeding

Enteral nutrition delivers nutrients directly to the stomach or small intestine through a tube. This method is appropriate for patients who cannot eat but still have a functioning digestive system. It is also beneficial for individuals with swallowing difficulties, anorexia, malabsorption, or those who have undergone gastrointestinal (GI) surgery.
Orogastric (OG) and nasogastric (NG) feeding are two standard methods used for enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition is often preferred over...