Sucking and swallowing difficulties in infancy: Diagnostic problem of dysphagia

Abstract

A comprehensive review of the world literature on dysphagia in infancy proved the subject to be thoroughly confused. Dysphagia is the end result of a wide variety of pathological processes, notably gross congenital anatomical defects and neuromuscular abnormalities. On the basis of the literature and the author's own experience, a classification is provided, which aims to avoid the dangers of oversimplification and overelaboration. Some clues as to the probable outcome of these cases are offered.