Title: Digestive Health | Gastrointestinal Health| Cerebralpalsy.orgCerebralPalsy.org
Headings: Digestive Health
Digestive Health
Contact Us Today
Common digestive symptoms could be signs of serious health conditions
What is gastroenterology?
Why should a child with Cerebral Palsy see a gastroenterologist?
Nutritional assessment is beneficial for identifying digestive dysfunction
What happens during an appointment with a gastroenterologist?
What training and qualifications to look for in a gastroenterologist
What non-surgical treatments are available?
What are feeding tubes, and what should parents know about them?
Do feeding tubes carry any associated risks?
How can surgery help a child with digestive issues?

Content: Dysphagia – Dysphagia is a condition of the throat and esophagus that interferes with a child’s ability to swallow food or liquids. It is commonly seen in children with moderate to several Cerebral Palsy. Dysphagia has two sub-categories: Oropharyngeal dysphagia is the result of abnormalities in the muscles and nerves of the oral cavity, pharynx and esophageal sphincter. Esophageal dysphagia is the result of the malformations, or a malfunction, of the lower esophageal sphincter that causes motility issues. Some of the symptoms of dysphagia include: Apnea during feeding
Coughing
Delayed swallowing reflex
Fatigue
Feeling of having an obstruction shortly after swallowing
Physical reactions while feeding such as frowning
Tongue thrust
Gastroesophageal reflux disorder – Commonly called GERD or acid reflux disease, this condition is caused by mucosal damage that occurs when acid is regurgitated from the stomach back into the esophagus. A change in the structural barrier between the stomach and esophagus and a relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter allows acid to re-enter the esophagus. GERD can be difficult to diagnose in children who have difficulty communicating their digestive symptoms. If left untreated, GERD can cause esophagitis, esophageal narrowing, ulcers and esophageal cancer.