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Difficulty Swallowing

At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen specializes in diagnosing and treating dysphagia - difficulty swallowing. From lifestyle adjustments and medications to procedures such as dilation and POEM, he offers personalized care to help you enjoy meals comfortably pain-free again.

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Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Memorial hermann
Houston Methodist leading Medicine
HCA Houston Healthcare
Nghia Nguyen

About the Expert

Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux)
  • Neurological conditions (stroke, Parkinson's disease)
  • Muscle disorders of the esophagus (spasms, achalasia)
  • Structural problems (strictures, tumors, scar tissue)
  • Age-related weakening of swallowing muscles
  • Smoking and heavy alcohol use
  • Anxiety or stress-related throat tightness

Signs and Symptoms

  • Sensation of food or liquid “stuck” in throat or chest
  • Coughing, choking, or gagging while eating or drinking
  • Painful swallowing (odynophagia)
  • Regurgitation or spitting up undigested food
  • Unexplained weight loss or dehydration
  • Recurrent lung infections from aspiration

How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Swallowing Disorders

Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:

Medical History and Physical Exam

He begins by discussing your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam focuses on your mouth, throat, and neck for any visible issues.

Barium Swallow X-ray

This imaging test tracks the movement of food as you swallow, helping identify blockages or abnormalities in the esophagus.

Upper Endoscopy (EGD)

An endoscopy allows Dr. Nguyen to visually inspect the lining of your esophagus and stomach to detect inflammation, narrowing

Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).

1. Lifestyle and Diet Changes

  • Eat smaller meals more often and chew food thoroughly
  • Avoid spicy, greasy, or sour foods that worsen symptoms
  • Raise the head of your bed to reduce nighttime reflux
  • Incorporate stress-relief exercises and deep breathing for anxiety-related tightness

2. Medications

  • Proton pump inhibitors to control stomach acid
  • H2 blockers for milder reflux management
  • Esophageal muscle relaxers to reduce spasms
  • Low-dose antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications for stress-induced symptoms

3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures

  • Endoscopic balloon dilation to stretch a narrowed esophagus
  • Botox injections to relax overly tight esophageal muscles
  • Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for achalasia treatment
  • Hiatal hernia repair surgery to correct reflux-related issues
Dr Nghia Nguyen

About the Author

Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for difficulty swallowing?

The code is R13.10. It means unspecified dysphagia.

Can acid reflux cause trouble swallowing?

Yes. Ongoing acid reflux can damage the esophagus and make swallowing harder.

Do I need an endoscopy?

You may need one if your symptoms do not improve with diet and medicine or if you have pain, bleeding, or weight loss.

Can stress affect swallowing?

Yes. Anxiety can tighten the muscles in your throat and make swallowing feel harder.

Are there surgeries for swallowing problems?

Yes. Treatments range from stretching the esophagus (dilation) to surgery for reflux or hiatal hernia repair, depending on the cause.

What foods should I avoid?

Avoid spicy, acidic, greasy, or hard-to-chew foods. Opt for soft meals, chew thoroughly, and take small bites.

How fast will I feel better?

Most people notice improvement in a few days to weeks. Full recovery depends on the underlying cause and treatment plan.

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