Kids can be adventurous eaters one day and picky snackers the next, so it can be hard to tell when something is truly wrong. But if your child suddenly has difficulty swallowing, refuses to eat because it hurts, or seems uncomfortable when they drink, it’s worth paying attention.
Difficulty swallowing, also called dysphagia, can happen for many different reasons.
Here’s what you need to know and when you should go to a Rockville pediatric urgent care for difficulty swallowing.
What is Dysphagia?
Swallowing difficulties can affect babies, toddlers, older children, and even teenagers. Some children experience pain while swallowing while others feel like food is getting stuck in their throat or chest.
While younger children aren’t always able to explain what’s happened, they often show signs that something isn’t right. Common symptoms of dysphagia include:
- Pain when swallowing
- Refusing food or drinks
- Choking, gagging, or coughing during meals
- Drooling more than usual
- A sore throat that won’t improve
Even if symptoms seem mild, persistent swallowing problems should never be ignored.
What Causes Difficulty Swallowing in Children?
There isn’t a single cause of dysphagia. In fact, there are many different conditions and illnesses that can make swallowing uncomfortable.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Strep throat, tonsillitis, and other illnesses that cause significant throat pain
- Swollen tonsils
- Hand, foot, and mouth disease
- Food or foreign objects
- Allergic reactions
- Acid reflux
When Should You Visit a Rockville Pediatric Urgent Care for Difficulty Swallowing?
Not every sore throat requires urgent care, but certain symptoms shouldn’t wait for a routine pediatric appointment. However, there are some scenarios that require immediate medical attention.
For example, if your child has difficulty swallowing that lasts more than several hours or if they’re refusing all food or fluids. You should also see a doctor if your child appears to be dehydrated, has a high fever, or has symptoms that are progressively getting worse.
Urgent care providers can evaluate your little one, perform a physical exam, and determine whether additional testing or treatment is needed.
How Is Dysphagia Diagnosed and Treatment?
The provider will begin by asking questions about your child’s symptoms, including when they started and whether eating or drinking makes them worse.
A physical exam may include checking the throat, tonsils, mouth, neck, ears, and breathing.
Depending on the suspected cause, your child may also receive viral testing, a viral strep test, imaging, and possibly a referral to a pediatric specialist if symptoms are ongoing.
Treatment depends entirely on what’s causing breathing difficulty. Possible treatments include:
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections (ie. strep throat)
- Pain relievers
- Fluids to prevent dehydration
- Steroids to decrease swelling
- Removal of a foreign object if necessary
Most children feel much better once the underlying cause is treated.
Tips for Helping Your Child Feel Better at Home
After taking your child to a Rockville urgent care for difficulty swallowing and they’re able to return home, there are many things you can do to keep them comfortable.
Offer soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and soup. Encourage frequent sips of water or electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration.
Cold treats like popsicles can also soothe an irritated throat.
Most importantly, avoid forcing your child to eat if swallowing is painful. Instead, focus on keeping them hydrated until they start to feel better.
Don’t Ignore Difficulty Swallowing!
Watching your child struggle to swallow can be very stressful as a parent. Thankfully the underlying cause is often easily treated.
For a warm, welcoming, and trusted pediatric urgent care, choose POP NOW.
For same-day care, schedule an appointment online or give our office a call at (240) 922-0001 and visit us in person from 7:00AM to 7:00PM, Monday through Saturday.