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For Infants With Swallowing Troubles, Treatment Of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease May Help
A new study from the University of Chicago establishes that Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) may contribute to pediatric swallowing dysfunction. The study further suggests that GERD treatment may improve the swallowing function in distress.
Infant swallowing is a highly coordinated process. In order for an infant to swallow, intact sensorimotor reflexes must be integrated at the brainstem level. Any changes in this sequence can lead to difficulty in feeding and swallowing which may ultimately lead to aspiration. If an infant experiences swallowing problems and they are untreated, then the child is at risk for malnutrition, dehydration, and respiratory problems.
There are a variety of causes for infant swallowing problems including GERD. GERD is extremely common, affecting some 5-8 percent of the pediatric population. GERD is defined as a backflow of acid from the stomach into the swallowing tube or esophagus. Common symptoms of GERD include vomiting, regurgitation, pain and excessive crying or constant fussiness. Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening.
The relationship between GERD, microaspiration, and respiratory diseases is an accepted and frequently described scenario in medical literature. Despite this, the scientific study of such changes, by which a neurologically-intact larynx, which should protect the lower airway, can allow microaspiration to occur, is rarely discussed.