Pediatric Swallowing/Voice Disorders
Pediatric Swallowing/Voice Disorder Services
Swallowing and voice disorders in children can significantly impact feeding, nutrition, growth, and communication. These conditions include laryngeal clefts (abnormal openings between the airway and esophagus), velopharyngeal insufficiency (incomplete closure of the soft palate during speech), eosinophilic esophagitis (inflammatory condition of the esophagus), and vocal cord paralysis (impaired movement of one or both vocal cords).
Evaluation typically involves a comprehensive history and physical examination, flexible laryngoscopy to assess vocal cord function, and coordination with speech-language pathologists and gastroenterologists when indicated. Swallowing studies and esophagoscopy may be performed to further characterize the underlying condition.
Treatment depends on the specific diagnosis and severity, and may include medical management, speech therapy, injection laryngoplasty for laryngeal clefts, surgical correction of velopharyngeal insufficiency, dietary modifications and medical therapy for eosinophilic esophagitis, or surgical intervention for vocal cord paralysis. Our physicians work closely with a multidisciplinary team to optimize outcomes for each child.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are conditions that affect a child's ability to swallow safely or produce a normal voice. They include laryngeal clefts, velopharyngeal insufficiency, eosinophilic esophagitis, and vocal cord paralysis, among others.
A laryngeal cleft is an abnormal opening between the airway (larynx or trachea) and the esophagus. It can cause aspiration during feeding, recurrent pneumonia, and chronic cough. Treatment may include injection laryngoplasty or open surgical repair depending on severity.
Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) occurs when the soft palate does not close completely against the back of the throat during speech, causing nasal-sounding speech. It is commonly associated with cleft palate and may require speech therapy or surgical correction.
Evaluation may include flexible laryngoscopy to assess vocal cord function, swallowing studies such as modified barium swallow or FEES, and coordination with speech-language pathologists and gastroenterologists.
Call (509) 624-2326 to schedule an appointment with one of our otolaryngologists for evaluation of your child's swallowing or voice concerns.