Foundational Information - Pediatric Dysphagia and Feeding Disorders

Research demonstrates the prevalence of pediatric feeding disorders (PFD) and pediatric dysphagia. In 2025, Duca et al. conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis aiming to determine the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in children. This study revealed findings suggesting a high prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia among children under the age of 12 diagnosed with flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) or videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS). Additionally, research indicates that the prevalence of PFD is comparable to other common pediatric diagnoses in the United States (Benjasuwantep et al., 2013; Kovacic et al., 2021).

Current literature consistently reveals an increasing prevalence of PFD and dysphagia (McClain et al., 2024; West, 2024). As many as 50% of parents report dysphagia in children who have no other reported health issues (Lawlor & Choi, 2020). With advancements in healthcare, the survival of premature infants and children with complex medical needs improves, thereby increasing the risk of dysphagia among these individuals (Lawlor & Choi, 2020).

Diagnosis of PFD and dysphagia may involve clinical feeding evaluations, VFSS, and FEES (Lawlor & Choi, 2020). Both PFD and dysphagia can result in significant ramifications, such as aspiration, adverse pulmonary issues secondary to oral intake, limited intake of quality or variety of foods/liquids, disruptive behaviors during mealtimes, challenges using utensils, nutrition and hydration concerns, difficulty with growth and/or weight, among other issues (ASHA, n.d.; Goday et al., 2019; Arvedson et al., 2019). PFD and dysphagia may occur alone or concurrently.

Treatment for PFD and dysphagia depends on the underlying etiology and often involves a multidisciplinary approach (Cano-Larios et al., 2023; Lawlor & Choi, 2020). Treatment requires skilled interventions, including educational support for school-aged children (West, 2024). Additionally, interventions may be direct or indirect, with options such as impairment-level interventions, pharmacological approaches, surgical intervention, and compensatory strategies (Morgan et al., 2012).

The current literature demonstrates the importance of supporting community providers in addressing pediatric dysphagia and PFD, as well as the need for further research to enhance understanding of treatment approaches (Sharp et al., 2024).

To learn more about these important topics, check out the references cited in this blog.

Pediatric VFSS