Aspiration is when something enters the airways or lungs by accident. This is a serious and common condition in children . It can lead to respiratory problems such as pneumonia. It can present symptoms or may be asymptomatic.  Aspiration can happen during feeding or any time your child swallows saliva.Your child will need a follow up therapy if she is found aspirating. This program will work with you and your child to develop a feeding or swallowing program based on your child’s need.

Aspiration is caused by  dysphagia which is when you have difficulty or discomfort in swallowing. It is usually a symptoms of a medical condition.

Who is at risk ?

Your child is at risk for aspiration if she falls into the following category :

• children with the following medical conditions
  • premature birth
  • chronic heart disease
  • craniofacial abnormalities such as cleft palate
  • neuromuscular disease such  as muscular atrophy
  • congenital syndromes such as Down syndrome
  • upper airway anomalies such as congenital defects of the larynx, trachea, and esophagus; tracheoesophageal fistulas
  • failure to thrive
  • history of gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • acquired brain damage secondary to open or closed head injuries, with particular importance on those with brainstem/cranial nerve involvement

What are the symptoms of aspiration ?

Signs  that a baby is aspirating include the following :

• choking and coughing while feeding
• weak sucking
• breathing disruption or apnea during feeding
• signs of trouble feeding such as watery eyes, red face, facial grimaces
• slight fever after feeding
• breathing problems such as wheezing
• repeated lung and airway infection
• feeding period longer than 30 or 40 minutes
• excessive drooling, especially if seen to cough or gag on their own secretions.

How is aspiration treated ?

Treatment may vary depending on the cause and severity. Treatment include the following :

• changes in the thickness of liquids
• changes in your child’s diet
• changes in posture and position during feeding
• medication or Botox injections  for children who make excessive saliva
• surgery to reduce reflux
• surgery to correct problems such as cleft palate

In some cases, the child may need a special feeding tube to help with feeding while treatment  is being considered. This is to ensure that she gets proper nutrition.  The child will not eat or drink normally until the tube is removed. A nasogastric tube may be put through the child’s nose down into the stomach. This may be short term while other treatment options are considered.  Another option is a gastrostomy tube which is put  directly into your child’s stomach during surgery.

In some children, this condition improves with time. In others more treatment may be needed to address the cause.

NOTE

Complications that may accompany this condition includes the following :

• pneumonia
• damage to lung tissues
• dehydration
• malnutrition
• weight loss
• increased risk of other illness

Talk to your doctor if your child is exhibiting signs of aspiration.