Feeding and Swallowing Disorder (FSD), also known as Pediatric Feeding Disorder, is a condition that affects a child's ability to eat and swallow food safely and efficiently. It is a complex disorder that can occur at any age, but it is most commonly diagnosed in infants and young children.Children with FSD may have difficulty with any or all of the stages of feeding, including sucking, chewing, swallowing, and digesting. They may exhibit a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Refusing to eat or drink
- Gagging, choking, or coughing during or after eating
- Taking a long time to eat
- Poor weight gain or weight loss
- Frequent vomiting or regurgitation
- Difficulty transitioning to solid foods
- Eating non-food items, such as dirt or paper