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The Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study: Introduction, Limitations, and Challenges

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Pediatric Dysphagia

Abstract

Assessing dysphagia in the pediatric population can be a challenge even for the most skilled speech-language pathologist. Clinical markers of tracheal aspiration are difficult to delineate in pediatrics as some of the hallmark signs present in the adult population such as cough may not be present in the pediatric population [1, 2]. Furthermore, the literature identifying validated clinical indicators of tracheal aspiration across consistencies in pediatrics is limited at the present time [2, 3]. Yet we do have evidence that “silent” tracheal aspiration occurs to a significant degree in various pediatric population such as those with neurologic impairment, airway disorders, and congenital heart anomalies [4, 5]. Due to these current limitations, instrumental tools such as the videofluoroscopic swallow study (also referred to as the Modified Barium Swallow Study Videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS)) play an important role in the assessment and management of pediatric dysphagia.

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  • 01 December 2018

    The spelling of the chapter title was incorrect. The correct chapter title should read: Chapter 5

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Speech, Language and Learning, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA

    Christina A. Rappazzo & Catherine L. Turk

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  1. Christina A. Rappazzo
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  2. Catherine L. Turk
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Correspondence to Christina A. Rappazzo .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA

    Julina Ongkasuwan

  2. Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA

    Eric H. Chiou

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Rappazzo, C.A., Turk, C.L. (2018). The Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study: Introduction, Limitations, and Challenges. In: Ongkasuwan, J., Chiou, E. (eds) Pediatric Dysphagia. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-97025-7_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-97025-7_5

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