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Difficulty Swallowing Treatment in Texas

Dr. Bharat Pothuri Medically Reviewed by Dr. Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG  |  Updated 03-17-2026

We are very serious about serving the difficulty in swallowing treatment (dysphagia) with a very meticulous approach and extensive knowledge of molecular diagnosis (GastroDoxs, L.C.). We use the latest methods of diagnosis with the help of which, the underlying causes of dysphagia are defined.

Schedule Appointment 832-632-4070
Dr. Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG

Dr. Bharat Pothuri

MD, FACG

★★★★★

4.7  ·  1,900+ Reviews

Condition Overview Symptoms Treatment Options GastroDoxs Care Frequently Asked Questions

Condition Overview

We are very serious about serving the difficulty in swallowing treatment (dysphagia) with a very meticulous approach and extensive knowledge of molecular diagnosis (GastroDoxs, L.C.). We use the latest methods of diagnosis with the help of which, the underlying causes of dysphagia are defined.

Symptoms

What is Difficulty Swallowing?

Difficulty/dysphagia: this situation is when food or liquid moves down the mouth to the stomach very easily. Miscellaneous foods can get to be lodged in the throat of some as as a result others can have pain or even fail to swallow at all.

Common Symptoms

The following are the possible signs when you experience difficulty swallowing:

  • It seems to stick in the throat.
  • Pain while swallowing
  • Drooling or trouble chewing
  • Salivating (bringing food or liquids backwards)
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Heartburn or acid reflux

Causes

They may cause problems in swallowing due to numerous causes:

  • GERD (acid reflux): Stomach acid ruins the lining of the esophagus.
  • Anxiety: Stress and tension cause stiffening of throat muscles.
  • Scar tissue constricts the food pipe.
  • Neurological dysfunctions: diseases such as stroke or Parkinson influence the control of the muscles.
  • Disorders of the throat muscle:9 A weak or discoordinated swallowing-muscles.
  • Infection or inflammation: Esophagus or throat irritation.

Treatment Options

Treatment Options for Difficulty Swallowing in Houston

The management involves diet changes, medications, and complex interventions:

  • Diet modifications: In order to decrease the risk of choking, soft food elements and thick liquids can be recommended and consumed without difficulty.
  • Medications: Proton pump or H 2 blockers of reflux, and muscular relaxants of esophageal muscle spasms.
  • Swallowing therapy: A set of special exercises with a speech-language pathologist to improve the functionality of the throat muscles.
  • Endoscopic dilation: Light enlargement of strictures with the help of balloon or bougie dilators and opening up of blocked places.
  • Botox injections: The cricopharyngeal muscle is injected when it is necessary to relieve muscles and increase the opening.
  • Surgical interventions: Esophageal blockage: fundoplication of refluxing or esophageal myotomy of structural reflux.

What Else Should You Know?

Why Choose GastroDoxs?

Our board-certified gastroenterologists in GastroDoxs in Houston treat and diagnose dysphagia in a patient-centered approach. Actually, in addition to our leading-edge diagnosed tools at diagnostics, which includes endoscopy, barium X-rays, manometry, and testing of reflex, we couple this tool with an individualized course of treatment that we call care plans that culminate into addressing the factual and emotional causes of your difficulties in swallowing. This is where personalized dietary adjustments and medication control, up to special swallowing training and minimally invasive interventions, our kind hearted service is dedicated in ensuring that you have the disposition and self esteem back to enjoy everything you eat again. Don't allow being choked make you put it off-book your appointment date today and start the journey to long term relief and better life.

GastroDoxs Experience

Patients Treated

We've successfully treated more than 9K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

Schedule Appointment 832-632-4070

About the Author

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can we rate difficulty in swallowing (ICD-10)?

The overall ICD-10 token of difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is R13.10. Greater details are afforded by other codes such as R13.11, which encompasses such problems as the inability to swallow solids.

What is the mechanism of the development of swallowing problems with acid reflux?

The acid reflux (GERD) permits the erosion to flow back in the esophagus which damages the stomach esophageal wall causing pain or constriction making it hard to swallow.

Does anxiety result in trouble with swallowing?

Yes. Stress may cause your throat muscles to squeeze together to produce the feeling that you have a lump or it becomes physically difficult to swallow.

What is a gastroenterologist? When do I need to visit one of them in Houston?

In case of the problem with swallowing, which continues longer than a week, improves, or gets accompanied by a useful loss of weight, you are to be evaluated by a gastroenterologist.

How do dysphagia and dysphagia best treatment?

Treatment is dependent on the cause. Treatments of acid reflux can involve drugs or diets whereas straitjackets might necessitate the endoscopic dilation of strictures or surgical intervention.

Is dysphagia always serious?

Not always. A mild or transient difficulty in swallowing can be reversed with the minimum of action, but chronic dysphagia needs a specialist.

What are some examinations that can be used to identify the cause of difficulty in swallowing?

The diagnostic testing can be done with the help of upper endoscopy, barium X-ray studies, esophageal manometry, or pH monitoring to determine reflux.

How will it take us to get improved?

Recovery time varies. Some patients even get better after several weeks of therapy, and others may require a series of therapy and monitoring to get better.

Is there a way of using non-surgical interventions to resolve swallowing disorders?

Yes. Exercises that involve swallowing under the supervision of a speech therapist, changes in diet, and drugs will tend to alleviate the symptoms without scarring.

What is the nearest Houston swallowing specialist in the neighborhood?

GastroDoxs in Houston. Our care staff including our board-certified gastroenterologist specializes in treatment and diagnosis of swallowing disorders.

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