Thickening liquids for pediatric dysphagia: a perspective from clinical practice

Background: Dysphagia is a common condition in infants and young children, particularly among those with neurodevelopmental disabilities. The management of pediatric dysphagia requires customized approaches based on individual clinical features. This report describes our experience in managing pediatric dysphagia using a locust bean- and xanthan gum-based thickener (ThickenUp® Junior), which offers stable consistency and preserves the original taste of liquids. Case report: Four cases were discussed to highlight the use of the new thickener. Each case illustrates different aspects of dysphagia management, such as improving swallowing safety, enhancing oral control, and maintaining nutritional intake through tailored thickening strategies. Our experience demonstrates the importance of using specialized thickening agents to prevent aspiration pneumonia and, ultimately, improve the well-being of affected children. We also highlighted the importance of individualized treatment plans, which consider each child’s unique needs. A comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary team led to an effective treatment strategy tailored to the child’s specific condition and challenges. Conclusions: The new locust bean- and xanthan gum-based thickener is effective in managing dysphagia and preventing complications in infants and young children. Such agents can improve swallowing safety, enhance oral control, and maintain nutritional intake, ultimately improving the well-being of the affected children.