You probably swallow without thinking much about it, but the action is actually quite complex, requiring the cooperation of about 30 nerves and muscles. When the process of swallowing doesn't happen as it should, you have dysphagia.
Dysphagia can show up as pain while swallowing. You may also choke on foods or liquids and be unable to take in sufficient calories and fluids.
Dysphagia can develop at any age, but most often affects the elderly, stroke victims, or people with Parkinson's disease. Certain health conditions that affect the nervous system are also associated with dysphagia.
Here at GastroDoxs, Dr. Bharat Pothuri helps patients with dysphagia. Here are some of the treatments he uses to treat patients with this condition.
It's important for you to get immediate help if dysphagia is causing weight loss, regurgitation, vomiting, or choking.
How we treat dysphagia depends on the cause of the swallowing disorder.
For patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia, exercises to improve throat muscle strength can help. This type of dysphagia occurs when certain conditions, like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, have weakened the throat muscles. You have trouble moving food through your mouth and into your throat and esophagus.
Other exercises may focus on strengthening weak facial muscles or in improving coordination.
Simple changes to your head or neck posture or in your food's texture or size can help improve swallowing, too.
Patients with esophageal dysphagia have the sensation of food getting stuck or caught in the back of the throat or chest. Treatment for this form of dysphagia may include gentle dilation of the esophagus using a balloon attached to an endoscope. Surgery for an esophageal tumor or diverticulum (small, bulging pouch) can also clear the esophageal path.
Patients with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux that interferes with swallowing often respond well to medications that reduce stomach acid production.
Dr. Pothuri may also recommend dietary changes to help when a patient has eosinophilic esophagitis, an allergic condition where the esophagus can't contract properly because of inflammation.
Other dietary changes may include adding a thickener to thin liquids to make them easier to swallow. Patients sometimes find that avoiding extremely hot or cold drinks helps improve swallowing.
If therapies, exercises, food changes, or other interventions just don't work, we may recommend a feeding tube, which bypasses the swallowing mechanism altogether. You'll still get the nutrients you need without having to worry about swallowing the food and liquid.
You or a loved one can get help for dysphagia at GastroDoxs. If you're in the Greater Houston area, contact us to set up an evaluation and start therapy. Call today or book an appointment online.
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.
In some cases, dysphagia can improve with treatment, therapy, and dietary changes. However, if caused by an underlying neurological or structural issue, long-term management may be needed.
Drinking small sips of water can help ease swallowing difficulties, but thin liquids may worsen symptoms in some cases. Thickened liquids or swallowing therapy may be recommended for severe dysphagia.
Managing dysphagia includes eating soft or pureed foods, using swallowing therapy exercises, and practicing safe swallowing techniques. Seeking medical evaluation can help determine the best treatment plan.
Swallowing therapy may include exercises like the Mendelsohn maneuver, effortful swallow, and tongue-strengthening techniques. A speech-language pathologist can provide personalized therapy.
To relieve the choking sensation, stay calm, sip warm liquids, and practice slow, mindful swallowing. If the feeling persists, consult a doctor to rule out conditions like GERD or dysphagia.
