Silent aspiration prominent in children with dysphagia

doi:10.1016/0165-5876(94)90009-4

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology

Volume 28, Issues 2–3, January 1994, Pages 173-181

https://doi.org/10.1016/0165-5876(94)90009-4 Get rights and content

Abstract

Children with neurologically-based dysphagia are at high risk for silent aspiration. Aspiration can lead to complications such as acute pneumonia and chronic lung disease. Thorough evaluation of the oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal phases of swallowing is crucial for patients with dysphagia. The videofluoroscopic modified barium swallow study (MBS) is the procedure of choice for children to delineate the pharyngeal and upper esophageal phases of the swallow that can only be inferred by bedside clinical assessment. This study describes attributes of aspiration and pharyngeal motility in a large sample of infants and children assessed with MBS. Aspiration was observed in 48 (26%) of 186 children, primarily on liquid before or during swallows. Aspiration was trace (less than 10% of a bolus) and silent in 94%. Relationships to clinical history and implications for management are discussed. Given the lack of objective clinical information to identify children at risk for aspiration, MBS should be considered in all children with severe dysphagia to rule out or confirm aspiration.

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Research reportSilent aspiration prominent in children with dysphagia

Abstract

Clin. Perinatol.

J. Pediatr.

Instrumental assessment

Radiologic assessment of abnormal oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing

Am. J. Roentgenol.

Videofluoroscopic investigation of feeding disorders of children with multiple handicap

Dev. Med. Child Neurol.

Dysphagia: its treatment in the profoundly retarded patient with cerebral palsy

Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil.

Feeding disorders in children with multiple handicaps

Dev. Med. Child Neurol. (Annotation)

Special swallowing problems in children

Gastrointest. Radiol.

After the clinical bedside swallowing examination: What next?

Am. J. Speech Lang. Pathol.

Dysphagia: predicting laryngeal penetration

Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil.

Research report
Silent aspiration prominent in children with dysphagia