Is it common to you to experience the feeling of food getting stuck in your throat after eating? You're not alone. The question many individuals in Houston would ask is, why does food stick in my throat?This painful experience is referred to as dysphagia. Here at GastroDoxs we would like to explain to you, what it is, why it occurs and the treatment.
Dysphagia refers to the difficulty in swallowing. It may occur at any age but it is prevalent among the aged. You might notice:
According to a gastroenterologist in Houston, Dr. Bharat Pothuri, dysphagia occurs in almost 15 percent of people above the age of 50. However, diet changes or basic exercises are found relieving by many people.
The following are some of the common causes of difficulty in swallowing:
Dr. Pothuri says that allergies and pollution is also a factor in Houston. Prolonged throat irritation with your surrounding could aggravate symptoms.
Although you may not be familiar with the word dysphagia, you are likely to be familiar with the sensation. Symptoms may include:
This Mayo Clinic outlines that this feeling is usually not harmful but it is necessary to check it in case it does not disappear.
Here are a few common reasons:
In case it occurs frequently, maintain a food diary. Record what you have eaten, how it was, and the symptoms such as coughing or acid reflux.
These are simple tricks that you can use to feel better:
According to Dr. Pothuri, big difference can be made with little changes in the way and content of eating.
The details about your symptoms will first be questioned by a specialist who can conduct such tests as:
This is because these tests enable your doctor to know the cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
The type of treatment depends on the cause of your symptoms:
Dr. Pothuri says that Houston has some of the best clinics in swallowing therapy. Experts assist you to remove that stuck sensation and rediscover pleasure in eating.
In the Houston region, you can look into the following sources:
Enter dysphagia doctor in the city of Houston in the search engine and include the word Houston.
| Type | Location of Occurrence | Symptoms | Typical treatment |
| Oropharyngeal | Throat area (pharynx) | Coughing, choking, nasal regurgitation | Swallowing therapy, soft diet |
| Esophagus | In the esophagus | Food sticking, heartburn | Medications, dilation, surgery |
Avoid lagging behind with these everyday habits:
Do not delay: in case you have any of these symptoms:
Later bigger problems can be prevented by treating a person early.
It is frightening that you think that food is stuck in your throat but you are not the only one. You will be able to have food with the proper attention and advice. We, at GastroDoxs, are here to make you feel good and comfortable to eat.
Still concerned? Call GastroDoxs.. to make a consultation.
It refers to a medical term of difficulty in swallowing.
It may be reflux, muscular weakness, obstruction or neural problems.
Take water in between bites, chew and consume soft food.
In case of weight loss, chest pain, difficulty in breathing during eating.
Yes, speech therapists may help you to practice exercises in order to eat better.
Yes. Older people tend to get it more frequently, even though anyone is capable of getting it.
Yes. It may destroy the esophagus and result in strictures.
It depends. There are those that get better after a few weeks and those that require continuous attention.
Dark, spicy and sour food should be avoided. Stick to soft and wet choices.
Find dysphagia centres in Houston Methodist, Memorial Hermann or UTHealth.