Assessment of swallowing function in children

Nor Shahrina Mohd Zawawi
Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Swallowing problems in children can be resulted by various factors, such as neurological or structural issues. These problems may be exacerbated by the unpleasant oral-motor-sensory experience that the children have in relation to their care needs. Swallowing assessment in children involve multifaceted aspect, comprising a comprehensive clinical history, clinical evaluation and instrumental assessment. The children’s health status and development stage; feeding environment, parents-children interaction and parental concern are also considered to ensure the assessment is conducted holistically. Additionally, the complexity of swallowing problems in children also necessitate a multidisciplinary assessment to ensure the needs of the children and parents in relation to the feeding and swallowing needs are addressed adequately and appropriately.