Feeding and swallowing difficulties during chemotherapy

Children receiving chemotherapy can sometimes experience feeding and swallowing difficulties (called ‘dysphagia ’) caused by the side effects of the treatment.

Some children may already have had difficulty with swallowing before chemotherapy because of the size and location of their cancer or tumour.

The impact of the side effects can depend on your child’s treatment regime, the amount and type of a chemotherapy drug your child is receiving, the length of treatment and your child’s general health.

Common side effects that can affect a child’s ability to eat and/or swallow safely include:

• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Ulceration of the mouth, tongue and throat (mucositis).
• Oral and jaw pain – due to tooth sensitivity or decay, muscle wasting (atrophy) and mouth ulcers.
• Heightened gag reflex related to taste changes.
• Sensation of food feeling stuck in their throat.
• Altered taste (dysgeusia) – your child may start to refuse their favourite foods because they no longer taste the same. Some children experience an unpleasant or metallic taste when they eat.
• Nausea, reduced appetite and weight loss.

If your child experiences any of the above side effects, tell a member of their oncology care team as soon as possible, as a referral to speech pathology may be required.

How can a speech pathologist help your child?

A speech pathologist can assess your child’s feeding and swallowing and may recommend:

• Changes to the texture and consistency of foods and drinks your child consumes to make it easier for them swallow.
• Providing suggestions to keep your child’s mouth clean and healthy and assist with reducing any sticky / thick saliva in your child’s mouth and throat.
• Providing strategies and /or exercises to help make your child’s eating and drinking as safe and enjoyable as possible.

If you have concerns with your child’s feeding or swallowing, tell your child’s oncology team so they can make a referral. A speech pathologist may see you before, during or after your child’s treatment.

Dental care during chemotherapy

Encourage your child to clean their teeth and use a mouth wash after eating and drinking. This prevents teeth decay developing and keeps the lining of the mouth feeling clean and comfortable. See your dentist or oncologist for further information.

Your speech pathologist is:

Contact us

Speech Pathology Department
Queensland Children’s Hospital
t 07 3068 2375   e LCCH-SPEECH@health.qld.gov.au

Developed by Speech Pathology Department and Oncology Services Group.  

Resource ID: FS328   Updated: January 2024

Disclaimer: This information has been produced by healthcare professionals as a guideline only and is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your child’s doctor or healthcare professionals. Information is updated regularly, so please check you are referring to the most recent version. Seek medical advice, as appropriate, for concerns regarding your child’s health.