Overview
This entry, listed under Orphanet code 138076, refers to sucking and swallowing difficulties (also called dysphagia) that occur in babies or children who have a chromosomal abnormality. This is not a single specific disease but rather a symptom description that was previously used as a classification term. It has since been marked as 'OBSOLETE' in the Orphanet database, meaning it is no longer used as a standalone diagnosis. Sucking and swallowing problems are common features seen across many different chromosomal conditions, such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), Patau syndrome (trisomy 13), and various other chromosomal deletions or duplications. These feeding difficulties happen because chromosomal changes can affect the development of the brain, nerves, and muscles involved in coordinating the complex process of sucking and swallowing. Babies with these problems may have trouble breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, may choke or gag during feeds, and may not gain weight properly. Treatment focuses on the underlying chromosomal condition and supportive feeding strategies, which may include specialized nipples, thickened feeds, positioning techniques, or in more severe cases, tube feeding. A team of specialists typically works together to manage these feeding challenges and support the child's overall development and nutrition.
Key symptoms:
Difficulty sucking during feedingTrouble swallowing milk or foodChoking or gagging during feedsPoor weight gain or failure to thriveFrequent spitting up or vomitingCoughing during or after feedingNasal regurgitation (milk coming out of the nose)Prolonged feeding timesRefusing to eat or fussiness during feedsAspiration (food or liquid going into the lungs)Recurrent lung infections from aspirationDehydrationLow muscle tone affecting the mouth and throat
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Neonatal
Begins at or shortly after birth (first 4 weeks)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Sucking/swallowing disorder associated to a chromosomal anomaly.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for OBSOLETE: Sucking/swallowing disorder associated to a chromosomal anomaly at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Sucking/swallowing disorder associated to a chromosomal anomaly.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to OBSOLETE: Sucking/swallowing disorder associated to a chromosomal anomaly.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with OBSOLETE: Sucking/swallowing disorder associated to a chromosomal anomaly.
Start the conversation →Latest news about OBSOLETE: Sucking/swallowing disorder associated to a chromosomal anomaly
No recent news articles for OBSOLETE: Sucking/swallowing disorder associated to a chromosomal anomaly.
Follow this condition to be notified when news becomes available.
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What specific chromosomal condition is causing my child's feeding difficulties?,Is my child at risk for aspiration, and should we do a swallow study?,What feeding techniques or equipment would be most helpful for my child?,Does my child need a feeding tube, and if so, is it temporary or long-term?,How often should my child's growth and nutrition be monitored?,What therapies are available to help improve my child's feeding skills over time?,Are there other health concerns related to my child's chromosomal condition that we should screen for?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Sucking/swallowing disorder associated to a chromosomal anomaly
What is OBSOLETE: Sucking/swallowing disorder associated to a chromosomal anomaly?
This entry, listed under Orphanet code 138076, refers to sucking and swallowing difficulties (also called dysphagia) that occur in babies or children who have a chromosomal abnormality. This is not a single specific disease but rather a symptom description that was previously used as a classification term. It has since been marked as 'OBSOLETE' in the Orphanet database, meaning it is no longer used as a standalone diagnosis. Sucking and swallowing problems are common features seen across many different chromosomal conditions, such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), P
At what age does OBSOLETE: Sucking/swallowing disorder associated to a chromosomal anomaly typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Sucking/swallowing disorder associated to a chromosomal anomaly is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.