Inflammatory Causes of Dysphagia in Children

Abstract

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) are the most common inflammatory causes of pediatric dysphagia, but several other less prevalent conditions should be considered. These conditions can affect one or several aspects of the swallowing process. In some inflammatory conditions dysphagia may be an early symptom. Esophagoscopy and instrumental swallow studies are often needed to determine the underlying diagnosis and best treatment plan. In some inflammatory conditions dysphagia can portend a worse outcome and need for more aggressive treatment of the underlying condition. Consultations with speech language pathology, gastroenterology, dietetics, allergy/immunology and/or rheumatology are often needed to optimize management.

Keywords: Auto-immune; Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE); Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); Idiopathic inflammatory myopathy; Inflammatory; Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); Pediatric dysphagia.