An experienced language pathologist from Illinois, Elizabeth Lowery is the former owner of Little You, Inc. Elizabeth "Betsy” Lowery specializes in speech and hearing sciences and helps children with pediatric feeding and swallowing problems.
Dysphagia is a symptom that showcases difficulties in eating and swallowing, and it typically occurs in children. Children with dysphagia may struggle to swallow even liquids or saliva as it can result in pain. Dysphagia can affect a child's growth as the swallowing difficulties can prevent them from getting the nutrients and vitamins they need. Choking and coughing are among the most common symptoms that a child with dysphagia encounters.
It can be diagnosed through barium swallow and upper GI series in which a child drinks a liquid, and the doctor takes X-rays to determine and analyze the problem. It can also be diagnosed through endoscopy, which involves using a small tube and a camera lens introduced into the child's mouth. Dysphagia can be treated with feeding therapies in which therapists help the child learn some exercises to swallow easier.
