My 20 month year old has had daily repeated episodes of choking when drinking fluids of any kind. She will choke from a straw cup, a sippy cup, and a regular cup. Oddly enough the only time she doesn't choke is when breastfeeding. It scares me because she has had several episodes of silent choking when she couldn't clear her own airway or take a breathe. I have to be watching her contstantly to make sure that doesn't happen. Do I try and take her to an ear, nose, and throat specialist or a gastrointestinal. My doctor is not offering any advice other than give her two tablespoons of liquid to drink at a time. I think there could be a bigger problem here and I want to go to the right doctor. Also, has anyone else had this problem with their child on a daily basis? PLEASE HELP!
2007-03-01 15:45:43 · 10 answers · asked by Angela T 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
I almost passed this one over, but suddenly I remembered that my five year old did have this problem. He also had a hard time chewing solid foods, as well. We lived with it, and just took the precautions similar to what your doctor suggested. When he was maybe 26 months old, we called our early intervention group through the state department of health, because his speech was so delayed that he was very frustrated and angry. After a bunch of evaluations, we found out he had a disability called dysarthria, which basically means that the nerve impulses from the brain don't reach the muscles in the mouth region properly. Not only does it disturb regular mouth movements, but the longer it goes untreated, the slacker the muscles get because they don't exercize like they should.
The speech therapist remark reminded me, because once he started speech he did really well, both with talking and with eating/drinking. When we stopped speech because he reached his goals, he immediately started having trouble with drinking, adn whenever he ate, he'd bite his lips or cheek. Unfortunately most insurance companies are pricks about paying for speech that isn't caused by traumatic brain injuries, even those for birth defects.
You could still call the ENT, but also look at a speech therapist or an eating specialist. They'd also know to look at muscle tone and use of the tongue and cheeks in drinking.
2007-03-01 16:33:00 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're probably right with the ear, nose & throat doctor. It's best to have her checked out by a specialist but it may be nothing if your doctor isn't concerned (assuming he's a good doctor). It might just be something that some children go through.
Still, to be safe, you should have the specialist give her a good check up just to be sure. Being a specialist he may even have better suggestions on how to help her if there's nothing medically wrong with her.
2007-03-01 23:51:19 · answer #2 · answered by Digital Haruspex 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have discussed this with your child's pediatrician and you are not satisfied with his answer, then you have a right to get a second opinion. I would think that a good pediatrician would have referred you to a specialist anyway. Make an appointment for a different Doc. If your insurance will cover without a referral then see an Ear, nose, and throat Doctor and maybe he will either have answers or will refer you to a Doc who will. God bless you and your baby!
2007-03-01 23:59:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can call your local Children's Hospital and request a swallow study.
Aspirating fluids can be highly dangerous as it can cause secondary pneumonia (my son had it many times).
You should purchase a thickener at your local pharmacy...it's cornstarch based and is not flavored. Click here for a look-see:(http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=12061&catid=10&brand=46608&trx=PLST-0-BRAND&trxp1=10&trxp2=12061&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-BRAND)
Add just 1-1/2 scoops (scoop comes in the container) to every 4 ounces of fluid and shake or stir well. Let it sit for about 5 minutes so it can thicken. You may have to play with the consistency to find what works for your child. Some do well with a honey consistency while other require a runny pudding consistency. This will be your best bet while you investigate your child's swallow issues.
2007-03-02 00:03:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
This sounds like a feeding problem your should contact a occupational therapist or speech therapist with a feeding license to do a evaluation to make sure the baby does not have gurd or and other swallow problems. This happens to some children and they end up needing a swallow study done. If you are a California resident you should contact your closest regional center to have your babies feeding situation evaluated
2007-03-02 14:32:54 · answer #5 · answered by Ruck_Fules84 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An ear, nose and throat specialist -- an ENT. Ask your pediatrician for a recommendation.
2007-03-01 23:56:04 · answer #6 · answered by notyou311 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
actually what you need is a speech theripist. i know nothing is wrong with how she talks, but they also handel things like that. i know eci, early childhood intervention is in most states, or you can call them and find out what resources are in your town. seriously i would try this before a ent.
2007-03-02 00:02:08 · answer #7 · answered by jjsoccer_18 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you need to talk to her ped as soon as possible. If that doc does not give you a good answer, then you need to get a second opinion. this could be serious!!!
2007-03-01 23:49:26 · answer #8 · answered by sr22racing 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ENT- ears, nose and throat
2007-03-01 23:48:26 · answer #9 · answered by Nette 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree a ENT as soon as possible.
2007-03-01 23:49:57 · answer #10 · answered by shortone22 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋