Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.
Difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia, occurs when it feels hard or painful to move food or liquids from your mouth down into your stomach. You may sense that food is stuck in your throat or feel the need to cough, choke, or clear your throat while eating. In medical coding, dysphagia is classified under ICD-10 code R13.
He reviews your swallowing complaints, past medical conditions (like reflux or neurological disorders), weight changes and any alarm symptoms.
Dr. Rishi examines your mouth, throat and neck for signs of obstruction, inflammation or neuromuscular weakness.
You drink a contrast solution while X-rays track its passage to identify strictures, rings or motility problems.
An endoscope is gently passed down your throat to directly visualize the lining of your esophagus and stomach for inflammation, narrowing or growths.
Pressure sensors measure the strength and coordination of esophageal muscle contractions during swallowing.
A small probe records acid exposure levels in your esophagus over 24-48 hours to detect pathological reflux.
Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.
The general code is R13. Subcategories (for example R13.10) offer more precise detail depending on your specific symptoms.
Yes. Persistent trouble swallowing especially with unintended weight loss, chest pain, or blood in saliva can be an early sign of esophageal cancer.
Most endoscopies last about 10-15 minutes. You'll be lightly sedated and can usually go home the same day.
Untreated dysphagia can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, or lung infections from aspirated food or liquids.
Soft foods, small bites, and thorough chewing are best. Avoid dry, crumbly, spicy, or highly acidic items.
Some patients notice relief within days after diet changes and medication. Others may require advanced diagnostics and procedures for full improvement.
Yes. Most insurance plans cover diagnostic tests for dysphagia, including endoscopy, barium swallow, manometry, and pH monitoring.
Absolutely. A speech-language pathologist can teach tailored exercises and techniques to strengthen the muscles involved in swallowing.
Yes. Risks are low when performed by an experienced gastroenterologist using imaging guidance. Dilation often provides immediate relief of strictures.
Seek prompt care if food feels stuck, you're choking, have significant weight loss, chest pain, or recurrent lung infections.
