What is a feeding disorder?
Children with a feeding disorder may have an especially hard time eating or drinking. Some children will eat only certain foods, or they may take a long time to eat. If a child coughs or chokes when eating, refuses food or liquid, has a wet, gurgly voice after eating, starts to lose weight, or has less energy than usual, this may indicate a feeding and swallowing disorder.
Signs of Feeding and Swallowing Disorders
Your child may have a feeding or swallowing problem if they:
arch their back or stiffen when feeding
cry or fuss when feeding
fall asleep when feeding
have problems breastfeeding
have trouble breathing while eating and drinking
refuse to eat or drink
eat only certain textures, such as soft food or crunchy food
take a long time to eat
pocket (which means to hold food in their mouth)
have problems chewing
cough or gag during meals
drool a lot or have liquid come out of their mouth or nose
get stuffy during meals
have a gurgly, hoarse, or breathy voice during or after meals
spit up or throw up a lot
If your child has displayed any of the above symptoms, I strongly recommend speaking with your pediatrician or calling a speech therapists who has received training in assessing and treating feeding disorders. Contact us at (210) 876-5282 or via email at info@lifespanpllc.com, if you have concerns about your child's feeding or eating habits.
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