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Pediatric Feeding Disorders (PFD) can manifest in various ways, impacting a child's medical, nutritional, feeding skills, and psychosocial well-being. Early identification and intervention are crucial in addressing these challenges effectively. Here are some signs and symptoms across different domains:
Medical Signs:
Labored breathing with and without feeding
Color changes in lips or face when eating or drinking
Sweating when eating or drinking
Gurgle or squeaking sounds with and without feeding
Reoccurring upper respiratory infections
Crying, arching, coughing, grimacing when eating or drinking
Suspected food allergies
Multiple formula changes
Vomiting
Never seems hungry
Physical discomfort when eating or drinking
Nutritional Signs:
Unable to eat or drink enough to grow or stay hydrated
Insufficient or too rapid change in weight or height
Lack of a certain nutrient, e.g., iron, calcium
Need for nutritional supplements
Reliance on a particular food for nutrition
Need for enteral feeds for nutrition (NG, GT, TPN)
Constipation
Limited dietary diversity for age
Too few fruits and/or vegetables
Limited or no protein source
Too few foods eaten on a regular basis
Feeding Skill Signs (over 12 months of age):
Labored, noisy breathing or gasping
Coughing, choking, gagging, or retching
Gurgles or wet breaths
Loud and/or hard swallows or gulping
Unable to eat or drink enough for optimal growth
Excessively short mealtimes (< 5 minutes)
Excessively long mealtimes (> 30 minutes)
Need for thickened liquids
Need for special food or modified food texture
Need for special strategies, positioning, or equipment
Grazing between scheduled mealtimes
Refusal to eat, drink, or swallow certain food textures
Needs distraction to eat such as screen time
Needs excessive praise/threats/bribes to eat
Difficulty chewing age-appropriate foods
Unable to eat in new or unfamiliar situations
Psychosocial Signs:
Unable to come to or stay with the family at meals
Refusal to eat what is offered or to eat at all
Disruptive mealtime behaviors
Unable to eat with others present at mealtimes
Child stress, worry, or fear during meals
Caregiver stress, worry, or fear when feeding the child
Presence of bribes, threats, yelling at mealtimes
Need for distraction and/or rewards for eating
Unpleasant mealtime interactions between caregiver and child
Recognizing these signs and symptoms is crucial for early identification and intervention. If signs of PFD are present, it's important to refer early and often for proper assessment and treatment. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes and support the well-being of both the child and the family. Let's work together to raise awareness and support children with Pediatric Feeding Disorders.
Contact us now to learn more!
407-637-2277