Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a board-certified gastroenterologist and the founder of GastroDoxs. 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 is difficulty swallowing. You might feel like food or liquid is stuck in your throat or chest, cough or choke when eating, or experience pain. It ranges from mild discomfort to severe obstruction and carries ICD-10 code R13.x for diagnosis and tracking.
He begins by discussing your swallowing difficulties, health history, and any related symptoms to understand the root cause.
You will be asked to drink a contrast solution while X-ray images track its movement through your esophagus, helping detect obstructions or motility issues.
An endoscope is gently passed through your mouth to view the lining of your esophagus and stomach. Biopsies may be taken if inflammation or other issues are seen.
This test measures the pressure and coordination of muscle contractions in your esophagus, which is crucial for identifying motility disorders.
A small probe records acid levels in your esophagus over 24 hours to determine if GERD is contributing to your swallowing problems.
Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 9K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
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 means difficulty swallowing. It can affect liquids, solids, or both and may cause coughing or choking during meals.
Common causes include neurological disorders (stroke, Parkinson's), GERD, esophageal strictures, head and neck cancers, and muscle disorders.
Diagnosis often involves a barium swallow X-ray, upper endoscopy (EGD), or a videofluoroscopic swallow study with a speech pathologist.
Treatment depends on the cause. Options include swallowing therapy, esophageal dilation for strictures, acid-reducing medications, and surgery if needed.
Yes. A speech-language pathologist may recommend thickened liquids or pureed foods to make swallowing safer and easier.
Seek evaluation if you experience weight loss, recurrent chest infections, choking, or food sticking in your throat for more than two weeks.
If untreated, dysphagia can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia. Early assessment reduces risks.
Recovery varies widely. Swallowing therapy may require several weeks, while surgical or endoscopic treatments can resolve symptoms more quickly.
