Optimal care patterns in pediatric patients with dysphagia.

The pediatric population with dysphagia is diverse, ranging from premature infants to fully grown adolescents. A variety of medical conditions cause swallowing disorders in pediatric patients. Complications of swallowing disorders can have severe and even fatal consequences. Swallowing disorders have a direct impact on nutrition, and adequate nutrition is required for growth and development of all body systems in infants and children. Infants and children may not have the same symptoms and signs as adults with dysphagia do and learning to identify pediatric patients at risk for dysphagia is critical. The diagnosis must be thorough and accurate. Furthermore, management of swallowing disorders and nutrition must be aggressive and immediate because of the reduced nutritional reserve and high needs of the infant and child. This article discusses the following three areas for optimal care: identification of infants and children at risk for dysphagia, diagnostic procedures, and management.