Feeding and Swallowing

Feeding encompasses every aspect of eating and drinking, from meal preparation to swallowing. It's not just about nutrition—it's about communication and social interactions that shape future interactions.

Swallowing is a complex process, involving multiple phases to transport food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach while protecting the airway. Our understanding of the oral preparatory, oral transit, pharyngeal, and esophageal phases guides our assessment and treatment.

Feeding Disorders: Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) refers to impaired oral intake not fitting the child's age, often associated with medical, nutritional, or psychosocial factors. Signs may include refusing certain foods, disruptive mealtime behavior, or failure to develop self-feeding skills.

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) play a vital role in diagnosing and managing feeding and swallowing disorders. They work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care.

Swallowing Disorders: Dysphagia can occur at any stage of swallowing, leading to complications such as aspiration (food entering the airway) or retrograde flow of food into the nasal cavity. Long-term consequences can include respiratory issues, malnutrition, gastrointestinal complications, and psychosocial effects.

At Rural Rehabilitation Services, we're dedicated to addressing feeding and swallowing challenges across the lifespan. Our team of experienced professionals provides comprehensive assessment and tailored interventions to improve function and quality of life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you or your loved one on the journey to better feeding and swallowing health.