Running title:Cleft Lip/Palate: Eating and Swallowing Disorders

 

Eating and Swallowing Disorders in Children with
Cleft Lip and/or Palate

 

 Jelena Todorović¹, Mirna Zelić², Lana Jerkić^3,4

 

¹Health Center Zvečan, Zvečan, Serbia
²Center Terapika, Belgrade, Serbia
³Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Belgrade, Serbia
⁴Scholarship holder of Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of Republic of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia

 

 

SUMMARY

 

 

Introduction. Cleft lip and palate are complex congenital anomalies of the orofacial system of children. Feeding and swallowing problems occur with varying degrees in children with cleft lip and/or palate.

Aim. The aim of this paper was to review the literature and available evidence regarding the types of eating and swallowing disorders that can be identified in children with cleft lip and/or palate, as well as a description and types of compensatory strategies and interventions to alleviate difficulties.

Methods. Insight into the relevant literature was performed by specialized search engines on the internet and insight into the electronic database.

Results. The extent of the cleft is related to the severity of eating and swallowing disorders, so the most common problems are decreased oral sensitivity, cough, choking, nasal regurgitation, difficulty in sucking, laryngotracheal aspiration due to inadequate airway protection during swallowing, which may result in pneumonia and lung damage. Feeding and swallowing difficulty is also a source of stress for parents.

Conclusion. Choking, coughing, nasal regurgitation, laryngotracheal aspiration, excessive air intake can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, but also the need for alternative feeding methods Therefore, it is of great importance to identify the problems of feeding and swallowing in a timely manner, along with modifications of the feeding method.

 

Keywords: cleft lip, cleft palate, eating disorder, dysphagia

 

 

Corresponding author:

Jelena Todorović

e-mail: jelena.milisavljevic90@gmail.com