Feeding difficulty

Suboptimal or inadequate oral intake and/or absence of age-appropriate eating skills or feeding patterns, resulting in insufficient nutritional intake and potential impact on growth and development.

Causes

• Gastrointestinal and allergic disorders

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

  • Food allergy or intolerance

  • Cow's milk protein allergy

  • Eosinophilic esophagitis

• Neurological and developmental disorders

  • Cerebral palsy

  • Autism spectrum disorder

  • Developmental delay affecting feeding skills

  • Prolonged dependence on tube feeding

• Structural and anatomical causes

  • Cleft lip or palate

  • Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia)

  • Craniofacial abnormalities affecting oral intake

• Chronic illness affecting appetite or feeding ability