In addition to having a feeding tube inserted, your child may be referred to an occupational therapist (OT) if they have problems swallowing. The OT will work with you and your child to improve their swallowing ability.
Swallowing and occupational therapy
Signs of swallowing problems
If you child is having any of the following problems, they should be referred to an occupational therapist (OT) to assess their swallowing:
- Choking or coughing during eating
- A wet-sounding voice and cough
- Frequent chest infections
- Being afraid to eat or drink
- Avoiding certain foods
- Complaints of food getting stuck or going the wrong way
- Drooling
- Pocketing of food in the mouth
What can be done?
The OT will watch and listen while your child is eating or drinking and may also ask your child to move the muscles of their tongue, lips, and cheeks. In some cases, the OT may recommend a feeding study, which is an X-ray that finds out what your child can drink and eat safely. It is like a movie of what happens inside your child’s mouth and throat from when food enters their mouth until after they swallow.
An occupational therapist, radiologist and X-ray technologist will take part in your child’s feeding study. During the feeding study, your child may be asked to drink different liquids and eat different foods. After the study, the occupational therapist will suggest how to feed your child.