Pediatric Aerodigestive Care

Our pediatric aerodigestive program

Our multispecialty approach makes it easier for families to get answers about their child's feeding, swallowing and breathing issues. In a single visit, several pediatric specialists meet with you and your child to discuss their symptoms and possible causes. During the appointment, you may meet with experts in:

• Otolaryngology (ENT)

• Gastroenterology

• Pulmonology

• Speech-language pathology or occupational therapy

• Nutrition

Together, we develop a plan to diagnose the condition and improve feeding and swallowing. Your child's care plan may include diagnostic procedures and supportive therapies.

Some aerodigestive disorders need surgical correction. Our specially trained pediatric surgeons talk with you about your child's surgical options.

Aerodigestive diagnostic procedures

To diagnose pediatric aerodigestive disorders, we may use:

• Functional endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Typically done in infants and older children, FEES is an anesthesia-free endoscopic procedure that helps us view the upper airway and assess how well your child is swallowing. It does not require an X-ray.

• Transnasal endoscopy. This anesthesia-free procedure is an alternative to traditional endoscopy that we use to diagnose eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).

• Video fluoroscopic swallow study. During this procedure, also called a modified barium swallow study, we use X-ray technology to assess your toddler's swallowing ability while they eat and drink.

• Triple endoscopy (triple scope). We give your child anesthesia, so they are asleep and comfortable. During the procedure, we examine the upper airway, lower airway and upper digestive tract.

These minimally invasive procedures use small, thin instruments and methods that are gentler on the body. We explain to your child in age-appropriate language what to expect during the test.

Breathing, feeding and swallowing therapies

If your child has a pediatric feeding disorder, our team connects you to feeding therapies and specialty care. With the right support, many babies and toddlers recover from these feeding issues as they get older.

After a diagnosis, our team may recommend:

• Nutritional counseling with a pediatric registered dietitian

• Feeding therapy with an occupational therapist or speech-language pathologist

• Referral to UCSF experts in other specialties as needed

Care for complex airway disorders

Children with complex airway disorders may need a tracheostomy or gastrostomy tube (G-tube) to help them breathe or get nutrition. Our skilled pediatric surgeons specialize in tracheostomy and G-tube placement, using child-specific techniques to support the best outcome. After the surgery, we provide families with education and support, so you can feel confident caring for your child at home.