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Suck/Swallow/Breath - Feeding Issues

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Question

Mother of female, age one month and diagnosed with reflux, reports that, while her breathing is not being jeopardized, she has difficulties managing sucking, swallowing, and breathing at one time. Feeding needs to be accomplished while she is sitting up completely. Mom describes the issue as the child not remembering to breathe during feeding. Is this typical? How long might it last?

Answer of our experts

These are sometimes things that need to be learned. This is harder if the child is premature or has neurologic problems. It hopefully should improve with time, although how long I could not say. It will be worse if she has a cold. If sitting up helps, this should be fine. Medication for reflux might help as well, although she may be on this. She should end up doing a lot better

TK 7-13-10

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Recommendation(s)

Feeding and Dental Difficulties

R12
In every CdLS individual with prolonged and marked feeding difficulties, the multidisciplinary assessment (from healthcare workers across many disciplines) should consider (temporary) placement of a gastrostomy (surgical opening through the abdomen into the stomach) as a supplement to oral feeding.
R13
In individuals with CdLS who have recurrent respiratory infections, reflux and/or aspiration (breathing foreign objects into airways) should be ruled out.
R14
The palate should be closely examined at diagnosis. In case of symptoms of a (submucous) cleft palate, referral for specialist assessment is indicated.
R15
Dental assessment and cleaning should take place regularly; a more thorough dental examination or treatment under anaesthesia may be necessary.

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