Swallowing should be easy. However, with dysphagia even simple meals can be stressful. The prevalence in the U.S is 1 in 25 adults above 50 years. Unattended, it may result in weight loss, dehydration or even pneumonia. The good news? Help is available.
Here, we will take you through the best strategies to use to treat dysphagia in adults, provide useful tips on nutrition, and indicate where you can receive specialized care in Houston.
Diagnosis at an early stage and tailored services can transform lives, according to Dr. Bharat Pothuri, a gastroenterologist, in Gastrodoxs. We have a multi-disciplinary team of speech therapists, dietitians, and surgeons aiming to assist all patients.
What is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia is a situation that is difficult to swallow. You can experience that food is lodged in the throat or the chest. You may cough, gag or just avoid eating with others.
Why It Happens
There are numerous muscles and nerves involved in swallowing. Dysphagia can happen due to:
When not taken care of it may result in malnutrition or pneumonia. That is the reason why early assistance is necessary. Read more from the NIH.
When it becomes difficult to swallow, do not postpone treatment, says Dr. Pothuri. The tailor-made program is capable of securing your health and well-being.
Risks of ignoring dysphagia:
Houston has the best providers and they can assist early before things start getting serious.
We can consider four of the effective approaches to dysphagia treatment. These options can be recommended by your doctor, or a combination of these.
Getting better quickly can be achieved by changing your diet of what you eat and how you eat.
Tips that help:
A speech therapist will be able to examine your swallowing and prescribe the appropriate food and drink textures. See this Mayo Clinic guide.
Dr. Pothuri says that the power of diet changes is simple, but effective. The change even to pureed soup could be a huge difference.
The speech-language pathologist (SLP) can also take you through exercises in order to make the muscles work more effectively.
Common exercises include:
The therapy sessions take about 30-60 minutes. Majority of the patients attend 6-12 sessions. Daily practice at home is key.
As physical therapy on the throat, it works, Dr. Pothuri explains.
In case your esophagus is too small, dilation can be of help.
How it works:
It is usually the most beneficial to individuals whose passages are limited due to scarring or rings
In the case of dysphagia caused by reflux or spasms, medications are helpful.
Treatment options:
Discuss the risks, benefits and the next steps with your doctor.
| Treatment | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Diet Modifications | Soft foods and thick liquids | No surgery, easy, low cost | Some can make them feel bound |
| Swallowing Therapy | Muscle activities with an SLP | Improves functionality in the long run | Effort andTime consuming |
| Endoscopic Dilation | Lengthens constricted esophagus | Minor risks (bleeding, tear) | Fast relief, outpatient procedure |
| Drugs and Other Management | Reflux and spasms treatment | Addresses underlying cause | Side effects, continued expense |
Houston has numerous best swallowing disorder clinics in case you are in need of treatment.
Best dysphagia treatment facilities:
We have dietitians and SLPs in our own clinic, says Dr. Pothuri
Need care? Here's how to start:
Even little actions can make you safe when eating:
You do not have to be Dysphagia. You will be able to eat with more confidence with treatments such as food changes, therapy and dilation. Develop a plan that suits you by collaborating with a team of experts in Houston.
According to Dr. Pothuri, teamwork will give great results. We make patients and families stronger.
Ready for help? Call our office in Houston or visit Gastrodoxs.com.
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
The most common causes are stroke, gastrointestinal reflux disease, esophageal constrictions, or conditions of the brain.
Your swallowing will be tested by a speech therapist who will prescribe the safest liquid.
For mild cases, yes. However other people might require medical care or treatment.
Light sedation has reduced pain or no pain in most patients.
Others accomplish results within a few weeks. It may take in practice a 3-4 months to get fully improved.
They are used to treat the cause yet usually in combination with therapy or change of diet.
Visit Gastrodoxs.com or request your doctor to make a local referral.
With proper support, many patients are able to go back to normal diets in the course of time.
Sure, however, the care of children is specific. A pediatric GI or SLP can help.
Answers can be found in NIH, Mayo Clinic or discussed with your care team.
