Mealtimes can be challenging for any parent. But when your child has pediatric dysphagia, feeding them presents a whole new set of obstacles most parents can’t even imagine.
That’s where pediatric thickeners come in. These products can be a lifesaver for parents of children with swallowing disorders, allowing them to feed their child without the risk of choking.
Below, we’ll cover what pediatric thickeners are, why they might be needed, and how they can benefit children. We’ll also look at how we can help make the Medicaid process easier.
Ready? Let’s get started.
What Is Pediatric Thickener?
Pediatric thickeners are designed to change the consistency of liquids and pureed foods, making them easier for children with dysphagia to swallow while reducing the risk of choking.
Think of them like the cornstarch you might add to your homemade gravy, only more sophisticated.
Pediatric thickeners come in various forms, including powders and gels, and can be mixed with many of the beverages and foods your child already loves.
Who Benefits From Pediatric Thickeners?
Pediatric thickeners are designed for children with conditions like dysphagia, a swallowing disorder that increases the risk of choking on thin liquids, like water. Dysphagia can result from conditions like developmental delays, neurological disorders, or structural abnormalities in the throat.
The risk of choking and lung infections caused by dysphagia is not only dangerous, but the fear of it can also make mealtimes stressful — for both you and your child. With thickeners, your child can eat and drink much more safely and without fear.
Dysphagia isn’t the only condition that thickeners are designed to help with. Children with certain genetic disorders, severe reflux, or those who have recently undergone surgery may also depend on beverage thickeners for safe swallowing.
How Do You Use Pediatric Thickeners?
Pediatric thickener isn’t something you’ll likely find in every kitchen. So, if you haven’t used it before, it’s normal to be a little intimidated.
The good news? Adding pediatric thickener to food is easy. The directions for use should be on the back of the package. If they’re not, look on the manufacturer’s website. And if you still have questions, check with your child’s doctor. They should be able to walk you through the process.
Typically, it goes like this:
Step 1
Measure the appropriate amount of thickener. This will depend on the thickness you want. There are three levels you might choose from, depending on your child’s needs.
- Nectar Consistency: This is a slightly thickened consistency, similar to pancake syrup. It’s thicker than water but still pourable. It’s commonly used for children with mild swallowing difficulties.
- Honey Consistency: This is much thicker than nectar and is about as thick as (you guessed it) honey. It moves slowly but can still be poured. It’s used for children with moderate swallowing difficulties.
- Pudding Consistency: This is similar to the consistency of pudding. It holds its shape on a spoon and can be plopped, rather than poured. It’s suitable for children with severe swallowing difficulties.
Step 2
Mix the thickener thoroughly to avoid lumps and ensure it’s evenly distributed. You don’t want pockets of undissolved powder, which could cause choking.
Step 3
Allow the mixture to sit for a specified period (which should be noted on the box) to achieve the correct consistency before serving it to the child.
Your Food and Beverage Thickener Questions Answered
Knowing how to mix thickener doesn’t mean you don’t have other questions about it. We get it. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we get about food and beverage thickeners.
“What are the types of pediatric thickeners available?”
There are a variety of thickeners on the market, including starch-based (made from cornstarch, potato starch, or rice flour) and gum-based options (made from xanthan or carob gum). Each type has unique properties. Your doctor will consider your child’s needs and food allergies when prescribing a thickener.
“Are pediatric thickeners safe for long-term use?”
Yes, pediatric thickeners are usually considered safe for long-term use when they’re used as directed. But it’s still a good idea to consult with your doctor regularly to ensure the specific thickener your child uses still meets their needs.
“Can pediatric thickeners be used with all liquids and foods?”
No. Pediatric thickeners can be used with a wide range of foods, but certain foods, like carbonated drinks, don’t thicken properly when combined with them. And improperly mixed drinks can cause pockets of undiluted powder, which can actually increase your child’s risk of choking. So, if you’re unsure about using a pediatric thickener with a certain food, check the label or ask your doctor.
“How do I know if my child needs a thickener?”
If your child shows signs of difficulty swallowing, such as coughing or choking during meals, recurrent pneumonia, or unexplained weight loss, consult with your healthcare provider. They can evaluate your child and recommend thickeners if necessary.
“Can pediatric thickeners be used with powdered laxatives?”
No. The starch used in thickeners and the fiber in laxatives interact to thin the liquid, so you’ll actually get an increased risk of choking. Always ask your doctor before mixing anything you’re not sure about with pediatric thickeners.
“Will continued use of pediatric thickeners cause dehydration?”
A person gets the same level of hydration with thickeners as they would if they consumed the same amount of nonthickened liquid. Eight ounces of water, for example, is the same for the body whether it’s thickened or not. In fact, the use of thickeners can often prevent dehydration, because it’s that much easier for your child to drink and eat what they need to stay healthy.
“Can you drink too much pediatric thickener?”
It’s important to stay hydrated, and thickener makes that possible for children with dysphagia and other conditions. Unless your doctor says otherwise, there’s no maximum dose of pediatric thickener. Your child shouldn’t stop drinking water, for example, because they’ve already had several thickened glasses.
“What if one kind of pediatric thickener doesn’t work for my child?”
Maybe they don’t like the texture. Maybe the product you’re using can’t get their beverages to the thickness they need. Whatever the reason, we’ve thought ahead. If you don’t know exactly what kind of thickener your child needs, ask us for some samples. We’ll send you different types to try, so you don’t waste your time on products that won’t work.
“Can I get pediatric thickener covered by Medicaid?”
If your child is on Medicaid, and has a qualifying diagnosis, and you have discussed this with their provider, they may be eligible (depending on the state they live in) to have pediatric thickener covered by Medicaid. At TMS, we’ll do all the legwork for you, from checking your eligibility to confirming your doctor’s diagnosis to shipping your pediatric thickeners right to your home, so you never run out.
"Whether it's thickeners, nutritional supplements, or diapers, we're going out of our way to go find a resource for somebody and get it to them as fast as possible."
— Drew Smith, Pediatric Support Specialist, TMS
When pediatric dysphagia or other conditions make the normal process of giving your child food and water dangerous, it can be frustrating and heartbreaking. Pediatric thickeners make it easy and safe to help your child get what they need.
And when you work with TMS, we can get you the pediatric thickeners and other supplies you need, shipped right to your door, covered by Medicaid, without the hassle.
Want to check your eligibility? Contact us.
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This information, including, but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material contained in this document, is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services of any kind. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and you should never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this document. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Neither Total Medical Supply nor its employees make any representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use.
