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COVID-19 and Dysphagia in Children: A Review

James D Tutor1

  • 1Program in Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Division of Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, LeBonheur Children's Hospital, Faculty Office Building, Room 224, 49 North Dunlap Street, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA. jtutor@uthsc.edu.

Dysphagia
|June 24, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Children can experience dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, after COVID-19 infection. Early screening and specialized pediatric aerodigestive team management are crucial for persistent cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection typically presents with mild symptoms in children.
  • Severe COVID-19 can lead to complications like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), requiring mechanical ventilation.
  • Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is an emerging sequela of COVID-19 in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing data on dysphagia in children following COVID-19 infection.
  • To highlight the potential for post-intubation dysphagia in critically ill children.
  • To emphasize the need for careful screening and specialized management of pediatric dysphagia post-COVID-19.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on COVID-19 and dysphagia in children.
  • Analysis of potential risk factors, including mechanical ventilation.
  • Discussion of diagnostic and management strategies.

Main Results:

  • Dysphagia can occur as an acute or persistent complication of COVID-19 in children.
  • Children requiring endotracheal intubation for ARDS are at risk for post-intubation dysphagia.
  • Careful screening is necessary during active infection to prevent viral transmission.

Conclusions:

  • Persistent dysphagia after COVID-19 requires thorough evaluation by pediatric subspecialists.
  • Referral to a pediatric aerodigestive team is recommended for comprehensive management.
  • Early identification and intervention are key to minimizing aspiration risks and improving outcomes.

Keywords:
COVID-19ChildrenDysphagia

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