This article looks at some of the reasons why a child might gag when eating, and what can be done to treat this problem. It also offers advice on when you should take your child to see a pediatrician.
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Some children have trouble learning how to eat solid foods. These children may simply take longer than their peers to get the hang of it. While they’re learning, they may resist solid foods or gag on them.
Other children have a physical difference in the mouth, tongue, or throat. This difference might keep them from swallowing normally. These children struggle with the muscle coordination that’s needed to chew and swallow without choking or gagging.
When to See Your Pediatrician
The age that babies can do these things varies. This is why pediatricians urge parents to move slowly on solid food. Look for cues, such as:
Gagging is a normal part of learning how to eat. It’s the body’s natural way of protecting the airway and preventing choking. Most if not all kids will gag when they first try solid foods. Different textures are especially likely to trigger this. If you think your child may have a feeding problem or if your child suddenly starts gagging when eating solid foods, talk to your pediatrician. Your pediatrician can determine if there is an underlying problem.
Recap
Possible Causes of Gagging
Swallowing is a fairly complicated process. Gagging can point to a problem somewhere in this process, or in overall development. Some possible causes of gagging on solid foods include:
Feeding Problem Treatments
If your child has been diagnosed with a feeding problem, a number of steps can help. For example, children with GERD may need reflux medication. Children with SPD or low muscle tone may be referred to a physical or occupational therapist. These specialists can help your child improve oral muscle coordination and feeding skills.
RecapGagging can point to a few possible problems with development or an underlying medical condition. Depending on the cause, the problem can usually be treated with medication or physical or occupational therapy.
Gagging can point to a few possible problems with development or an underlying medical condition. Depending on the cause, the problem can usually be treated with medication or physical or occupational therapy.
Summary
Gagging can be a sign of a picky eater or a child who is slow to learn how to eat solid foods. In some kids, though, gagging on food can be a sign of an underlying medical problem.
Talk to your pediatrician if you think your child may have a feeding problem. Problems like GERD, sensory processing disorder, and low muscle tone can be corrected with medication or help from a specialist.
5 Sources
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Boston Children’s Hospital.Enlarged tonsils and adenoids.
Stanford Children’s Health.Swallowing problems (dysphagia).
Howe TH.Oromotor therapy. In:Pediatric Dysphagia. Springer, Cham; 2018:119-134.
UNC Pediatric Feeding Team.What to expect in feeding therapy?
American Academy of Pediatrics.Starting solid foods.American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.Feeding and swallowing disorders in children.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Starting solid foods.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.Feeding and swallowing disorders in children.
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