Have you ever felt like food gets stuck in your throat? Or do you cough while drinking water? You’re not alone. This could be a condition called dysphagia, which simply means difficulty swallowing.
Millions of adults experience this each year. If not treated, dysphagia can lead to weight loss, dehydration, and even lung infections.
In this guide, you’ll learn what dysphagia is, what causes it, and how to know if you have it. We’ll also explain when to see a doctor and the treatments available.
Plus, you’ll hear from Dr. Bharat Pothuri, a Houston-based GI expert, and get practical tips to help make swallowing easier—whether you're in Sugar Land, The Woodlands, or right in the heart of Houston.
Dysphagia (pronounced dis-FAY-juh) means you have trouble swallowing. Most people swallow hundreds of times a day without thinking about it. But when something goes wrong—like weak muscles or nerve damage—swallowing can become hard or even dangerous.
“Swallowing uses many muscles and nerves,” says Dr. Pothuri. “Even small changes can make eating uncomfortable.”
Doctors divide dysphagia into two main types:
Many health problems can cause dysphagia. Here are the most common:
Trouble swallowing is the main symptom. But you may also notice:
“Even small signs shouldn’t be ignored,” says Dr. Pothuri. “They could be part of a bigger problem.”
Want to track your symptoms? Try this:
Bring this log to your doctor. They may suggest:
Learn more at NIDDK.gov
| Feature | Oropharyngeal Dysphagia | Esophageal Dysphagia |
| Where It Starts | Mouth or throat | Chest/esophagus |
| Symptoms | Drooling, choking, nasal leakage | Food feels stuck, chest pain |
| Common Causes | Nerve or muscle problems | Narrowing, reflux, achalasia |
| Tests Used | Swallow study, neuro exam | Barium X-ray, endoscopy, manometry |
| First Steps | Swallow therapy, soft foods | Medications, dilation, surgery |
Here’s when to act quickly:
“Early treatment leads to better results,” says Dr. Pothuri. “Don’t wait.”
At Gastrodoxs, our team takes a step-by-step approach:
While waiting for a diagnosis or treatment, try these:
Swallowing issues might seem small—but they can lead to big problems. If you're in Montrose, Baytown, Katy, or anywhere in Houston, don’t ignore the signs.
Start tracking your symptoms, try small changes, and talk to a GI specialist.
Dr. Bharat Pothuri and the team at Gastrodoxs.com are here to help you eat, drink, and feel better every day.
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.
Dysphagia can stem from neurological disorders (like stroke or Parkinson’s), muscle problems (such as myasthenia gravis), structural blockages in the esophagus, or chronic acid reflux (GERD).
Not always. Mild, temporary throat irritation can cause brief swallowing discomfort. However, persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor.
If you can’t swallow liquids or experience severe pain, seek emergency care immediately. Otherwise, make an appointment if symptoms persist for more than two weeks or you’re losing weight without trying.
Yes. Chronic acid reflux can inflame and scar the lining of the esophagus, causing narrowing and difficulty swallowing.
Common diagnostic tests include a barium swallow X-ray (esophagram), upper endoscopy (camera scope), esophageal manometry (muscle pressure measurement), and video fluoroscopy (real-time swallowing study).
Crunchy, dry, sticky, or hard-to-chew foods—such as crackers, nuts, peanut butter, and tough meats—can be problematic. A speech-language pathologist may recommend a soft or pureed diet and thickened liquids.
Many patients experience significant improvement with targeted exercises, posture adjustments, and swallowing techniques taught by a speech-language pathologist.
Yes. When food or liquids enter the airway instead of the esophagus, they can cause a lung infection known as aspiration pneumonia.
Gastrodoxs.com partners with gastrointestinal and speech-language pathology teams across Houston—including Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Katy, and Pearland—to diagnose and treat swallowing disorders.
It depends on the underlying cause. Structural issues such as strictures or achalasia often respond well to dilation or surgical procedures, but each case requires individualized evaluation.
