Assessing pediatric feeding disorders by domain in children with hypersensitive gagging

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Kristen Brackett (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Kristine Lundgren

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to improve our understanding of gagging in children with pediatric feeding disorder (PFD). This study explored prevalence and common triggers for gagging. Children with and without gagging were compared using the medical, nutrition, feeding skill, and psychosocial domains of PFD (Goday et al., 2019, Sharp et al., 2022). One-hundred and sixteen participants met inclusion criteria through a retrospective chart review of three months of new patients seen in a hospital-based feeding clinic. The gagging group and non-gagging group were compared by demographics, frequency of domain identification, specific items within each domain, and the number of domains identified per participant between groups. Results indicated that 60% of children in this sample had gagging as part of their PFD. Significant findings included that 70% of the gagging group was under the age of three years and was more likely to have issues in the medical domain, specifically gastrointestinal diagnoses (gastroesophageal reflux, emesis, and hypersensitivity). Additionally, the gagging group had more issues in the feeding skill domain, as well as signs of pharyngeal dysphagia, and oral motor delay as compared to the non-gagging group. The most common triggers were textured puree, mixed textures, dry solids, and non-preferred foods. Given these findings, when working with young children who experience gagging as part of their PFD, clinicians are encouraged to carefully explore gastrointestinal issues, swallowing, and oral motor function. Additional research is needed to better understand how these factors influence gagging and to explore assessment and treatment strategies.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2024
Keywords
Gag, Gagging, Hypersensitivity, Pediatric Feeding Disorder, PFD
Subjects
Ingestion disorders in children
Deglutition disorders in children

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