Paediatric dysphagia: How I inform my decisions (2) – Questioning assumptions
Author: Rebecca Howarth
Magazine issue: Spring 06
Page numbers: 27-28
Date: 27 February 2006
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What effect do respiratory disorders have on swallowing? Rebecca Howarth’s experience with Rosie, a teenager with Cri du Chat syndrome, has led her to re-think some of her assumptions when assessing, making a prognosis and planning management of children with respiratory illness and dysphagia. Rebecca initially thought that the primary cause of Rosie’s dysphagia was her underlying neurological condition, compounded by respiratory difficulties. However, her dysphagia turned out to be primarily respiratory-based as her recovery was full and correlated with respiratory recovery. In light of this, Rebecca discusses the risk factors, assessments and common characteristics that speech and language therapists need to be aware of in terms of respiratory-compromised children. She concludes that consideration of the impact of respiratory status is essential in making an appropriate prognosis and management plan.
