Pediatric Chronic Aspiration

Symptoms will vary according to the cause and severity of the condition responsible for the aspiration. Symptoms can include:

• A weak suck while breast or bottle feeding
• Bradycardia (abnormally slow heartbeat)
• Chest discomfort
• Choking, coughing or gagging while eating
• Cyanosis (blue or gray fingertips and lips)
• Drooling
• Food becoming stuck or coming back up after eating
• Hoarse voice or ragged cry
• Light fever after eating
• Rapid breathing or holding breath while eating
• Repeated respiratory infections
• Sleep apnea
• Wheezing

Several conditions can cause chronic aspiration, including:

• Dysphagia  – This disorder makes swallowing painful or impossible due to the muscles of the pharynx or esophagus not functioning properly.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)  – This digestive condition causes partially digested food or stomach acids to flow back into the esophagus (tube that connects the throat with the stomach).
• Neurological disorders – Conditions like cerebral palsy can affect body movement, posture and muscle coordination, which can lead to a greater chance of aspiration.
• Structural abnormalities – Anatomical irregularities can lead to a higher risk of aspiration. These include:
  • Cleft palate – a gap in the roof of the  mouth
  • Duodenal obstruction – a complete or partial blockage that prevents food from passing out of the stomach
  • Esophageal atresia – a malformation that obstructs the upper esophagus and causes a child to have difficulties with swallowing and eating
  • Laryngeal cleft – a gap between the larynx (voice box) and the esophagus
  • Tracheoesophageal fistula – one or more abnormal connections between the child’s esophagus and trachea (windpipe)