HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Paediatric feeding disorder (PFD)
Paediatric feeding disorder (PFD) is a common problem in tamariki (children). It involves feeding or eating issues that can cause tamariki to limit the amount and variety of food they eat. This makes it difficult for them to achieve and maintain their growth or meet their nutritional needs. PFD can also cause mealtime stress for the child (tamaiti) and whānau (family).
PFD is not an eating disorder. Although tamariki with PFD often limit their food intake, they are not doing this due to concerns about their body weight or shape.
Causes of PFD
Tamariki are more likely to develop PFD if they have one of the following:
- autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- developmental delay
- premature birth
- difficulties using the lips, tongue, jaw, teeth and roof of the mouth (palate)
- a medical condition such as reflux, congenital heart disease or lung disease
- a physical abnormality such as a cleft palate.
Symptoms of PFD
Tamariki with PFD may show some of the following signs:
- Trouble eating, chewing and swallowing. This may include choking, gagging, coughing or holding food in their cheek pockets. It may also include spitting food out, mashing or sucking on food or struggling with certain food textures.
- Physical discomfort when eating or drinking.
- Refusing to eat what is offered or eat at all.
- Trouble gaining weight.
- Needing nutrition supplements such as Pediasure or Fortini to be able to grow.
- Disruptive mealtime behaviours such as throwing food, bowls, or spoons from a table or highchair tray.
Diagnosing PFD
There is no single test to check for PFD. Your general practice team will talk with you and your tamaiti about their eating behaviour and habits.
Your tamaiti may need a full physical examination. Also, a blood test, a urine sample, an electrocardiogram (ECG) and an X-ray.
Your general practice team will consider whether other eating disorders or medical conditions could be causing the weight loss or delayed growth. For example, coeliac disease.
If your general practice team think your tamaiti may have PFD, they may refer them to a specialist for a definite diagnosis.
Treatment options for PFD
The treatment for PFD will depend on the symptoms and any medical conditions your tamaiti may have. They may need to see a child health doctor (paediatrician). Therapists such as psychologist, occupation therapist, speech language therapist and dietitian may also be involved.
Based on the needs of your tamaiti, treatment goals may include:
- having positive mealtime experiences
- gaining and maintaining a healthy weight
- correcting nutrient deficiencies
- becoming conformable eating with others
- eating a larger range of foods
- improving feeding skills.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Feeding Matters – Family support resources
Information about paediatric feeding disorder. This is an American website so the links to find specialised care and request support are not relevant to New Zealand.
- Te Whatu Ora Waitaha – Resources for families and whānau
Online learning packages for subjects such as nutritional needs and creating positive mealtimes.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Page created December 2024.
SourcesReview key: HIFIC-1383579
