Kindliche Dysphagien: Ursachen, Diagnostik und Therapie – ein Überblick

Abstract

Children are not small adults. There has been an increased number of infants with swallowing disorders as a result of improved survival for infants born prematurely or with life-threatening medical disorders. Dysphagia in children needs a special approach, and requires not only advanced knowledge of anatomy, functions and development of the oropharyngeal area, but also of the over all developmental status and psychosocial environment of the child. Diagnostic approaches and therapy can only be effective in a team of patient, parents, therapists and physicians and require close interdisciplinary contact between the different professions.