Feeding Disorders

Feeding disorders in children can lead to nutritional deficits that impact the development of healthy muscles, bones and cognitive functions. While some types of feeding disorder are due to swallowing difficulties like an esophageal stricture that causes gagging or choking when eating, others may be indicative of a problem with oral motor skills, gastroesophageal reflux, a gastrointestinal motility disorder or another condition that affects a child’s ability to consume certain foods. Some kids with feeding disorders are unable to tolerate foods from certain food groups or those with a specific texture. They may frequently “spit up” their meal, experience prolonged coughing or gagging fits when eating, or they may have problems breathing correctly while drinking a beverage. Your physician can diagnose the reason behind your picky eater and prescribe effective therapies such as medications, dietary modifications and supplements, a different stance while feeding, behavior management, and - when needed - specialist referrals.