Important Announcements

Nondiscrimination Statement Update

Boston Medical Center Health System complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency and primary language), religion, culture, physical or mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression. BMCHS provides free aids and services to people with disabilities and free language services to people whose primary language is not English.

To see our full nondiscrimination statement, click here.

Campus Construction Update

Starting September 14, we’re closing the Menino building lobby entrance. This, along with the ongoing Yawkey building entrance closure, will help us bring you an even better campus experience that matches the exceptional care you've come to expect. Please enter the Menino and Yawkey buildings through the Moakley building, and make sure to leave extra time to get to your appointment. Thank you for your patience. 

Click here to learn more about our campus redesign. 

Pediatric Feeding Disorders

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What are Pediatric Feeding Disorders?

Pediatric feeding disorders consist of problems related to feeding and swallowing, specifically addressing concerns around an infant, a toddler, or a child's ability to chew, swallow, and complete a feeding/meal safely and efficiently.

How are Pediatric Feeding Disorders Diagnosed?

Feeding disorders and difficulties can be diagnosed in a variety of ways. Some of the tests we do include:

  • Clinical feeding evaluation (similar to a regular meal at home. We will watch your child eat and drink and make observations about their abilities and areas for improvement)
  • Modified barium swallow exam (an x-ray to visualize the child swallowing food or liquid to test whether it may be entering the airway)

How are Pediatric Feeding Disorders Treated?

Our speech language pathologists can offer treatment that would include determining appropriate consistencies to offer, advancing the child's chewing skills, and/or expanding the accepted repertoire of foods. 

Podcast

Kerry Pearl, CCC-SLP shares symptoms of feeding or swallowing difficulty, pediatric dysphagia, and treatment options available. Listen:

Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

department

Otolaryngology – Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery

Whether you need a diagnosis, non-surgical treatment, or surgery for problems involving the ears, sinuses, oral cavity, throat, or neck, the Otolaryngology team is here to provide…
Otolaryngology – Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery