A Systematic Review to Assess Swallowing Disorders in Paediatric Patients With Sleep‐Disordered Breathing

Abstract

There is limited, low-quality evidence suggestive that children with oSDB are at increased risk of swallowing dysfunction. However, heterogeneity in definitions, assessment tools, and study design limits the ability to draw firm conclusions. Episodes of severe swallowing-related complications such as fatal aspiration or choking are rare but clinicians should consider swallowing issues in these patients. Further research with standardised, objective assessments is required to understand better the relationship between SDB and swallowing in children. Early evidence indicates that treated oSDB may improve swallow-related symptoms, but more studies are required before official practice recommendations. Overall, this systematic review highlights a possible link between oSDB and swallowing dysfunction emphasising the need for further objective research to guide clinical care for these patients.