[Dysphagia] UES/Reflux query

[vstefans at george.ach.uams.edu (Vikki Stefans)]

The answer to that question is defintiely yes, reflux, can trigger crico
spasm or other dysfunctions. Re the baby who is having so much aspiration
but seems neurologically intact, a neuro eval as well as the ENT eval
which should include looking at suck-swallow-breathe coordination sounds
like an appropriate next step. G-tube, probably with antireflux procedure,
may be easier to work with and live with than an NG tube, and then perhaps
after that, re-assessing the swallow and being able to give some
consistency of food orally may be more feasible.

I've had a similar case, definite abnormal VFSS and lung problems but
otherwise looking good neurologically and developmentally. We are
trying medical treatment for reflux first more or less empirically. Only
other thing I can think of that may help is that if a chest x-ray is
equivical in looking for chronic aspiration-related lung injury, a chest
CT may be more sensitive.

Vikki Stefans, M.D., pediatric physiatrist (rehab doc for kids) at UAMS
and Arkansas Children's Hospital.  Working Mom of Sarah T. and Michael C.,
and wife of Henry Stefans. Every mom is a working mom!- OK, dads too.