Causes of Feeding and Swallowing Disorders from 0 – 14 years

There are many possible causes for feeding and swallowing problems, including:

  • Nervous system disorders, like cerebral palsy or meningitis
  • Reflux or other stomach problems
  • Being premature or having a low birth weight
  • Heart disease
  • Cleft lip or palate
  • Breathing problems, like asthma or other diseases
  • Autism
  • Head and neck problems
  • Muscle weakness in the face and neck
  • Medicines that make her sleepy or not hungry
  • Sensory issues
  • Behavior problems

Adult Feeding and Swallowing Disorders

Disease processes that may cause PES dysfunction

Oropharyngeal carcinoma

Esophageal carcinoma

Benign esophageal tumor

Zenkers diverticulum

Laryngopharyngeal reflux

Pharyngitis

Post surgical change 

Foreign body

CVA

Parkinson’s

Inflammatory myopathies

Dermatomyositis

Inclusion Myositis

Hyperthyroidism

Idiopathic

Radiation therapy

Brainstem tumor

ALS

Huntington Chorea

Poliomyelitis

Spinocerebellar degeneration

Syringobulbia

Diabetes

Diphtheria

Rabies

Lead poisoning

Polymyositis

Scleroderma

Muscular Dystrophies

Myxderma

Botulism

Trauma(iatrogenic)

GOOD NEWS

He was seen at Cleveland Feeding and Swallowing Center. He had no swallow function secondary to a brain stem stroke and was on feeding tube. After 39 sessions of vital stim and 5 sessions of dilation, the patient is eating full meals again with no restrictions and no feeding tube. There is hope for patients!