Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Children with Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Dysphagia is the most troublesome symptom of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). This study aimed to investigate oropharyngeal dysphagia in children with EoE and possible related factors. Children with a definite diagnosis of EoE were included in the study. Medical and feeding histories were recorded. A disease control level was determined for each child. An oral structure examination, the Turkish version of the Mastication and Observation Evaluation (T-MOE), the Pediatric version of the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (PEDI-EAT-10) and the 3-oz water swallow test were applied in screening for oropharyngeal dysphagia. Fifty-two children participated in the study. Oropharyngeal dysphagia took the form of abnormal swallowing (PEDI-EAT-10 score ≥ 4) and increased aspiration risk (PEDI- EAT-10 score ≥ 13) in 51.9% and 25.0% of the children, respectively. Seven children failed the 3-oz water swallow test. Abnormal swallowing and aspiration risk were significantly higher in children with prolonged mealtimes, impaired chewing function, and uncontrolled disease (p < 0.05). Chewing function was the most important risk factor for abnormal swallowing and increased aspiration (R² = 0.36, R² = 0.52, p < 0.001, respectively). Oropharyngeal dysphagia is common in children with EoE and associated with increased aspiration risk in a subpopulation. Uncontrolled disease, prolonged mealtimes, and impaired chewing function may provide clues for oropharyngeal dysphagia in EoE.