Swallowing and feeding of young children on high-flow oxygen therapy
Background: Oral feeding practices of young patients on high-flow oxygen (HFO2) have been controversial. Limited literature exists on this topic, but new studies suggest introducing oral feeds. Objective: This study aims to describe the changes in swallowing and feeding of a group of young children...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
AOSIS
2024-03-01
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| Series: | South African Journal of Communication Disorders |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://sajcd.org.za/index.php/sajcd/article/view/1010 |
| Summary: | Background: Oral feeding practices of young patients on high-flow oxygen (HFO2) have been controversial. Limited literature exists on this topic, but new studies suggest introducing oral feeds.
Objective: This study aims to describe the changes in swallowing and feeding of a group of young children on HFO2.
Method: Twelve participants (mean age 34.17 months [s.d. = 3.97]) on HFO2 were assessed clinically at the bedside using the Schedule of Oral Motor Assessment. Assessments were conducted twice to determine the change in characteristics: upon approval from the managing doctor when respiratory stability on HFO2 was achieved and for a second time on the last day of receiving HFO2 (mean 2.6 days apart). Patients received standard in-patient care and speech therapy intervention.
Results: Most participants displayed typical oral motor function at initial and final assessments for liquid, puree and semi-solid consistencies. Purees and soft solid consistencies were introduced to most participants (n = 11, 91.7%). Solids and chewables were challenging for all participants during both assessments. Half of the participants displayed gagging and a wet vocal quality with thin liquids at the initial assessment only.
Conclusion: This small-scale study found that HFO2 should not preclude oral diets, but in this sample, small amounts of oral feeding could be introduced with caution, in an individualised manner, and with a collaborative multidisciplinary approach. Further research is essential.
Contribution: Partial oral feeding of specific consistencies was possible during the assessment of young paediatric in-patients on HFO2. Monitoring of individual patient characteristics and risk factors by a specialist feeding team is essential. |
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| ISSN: | 0379-8046 2225-4765 |