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Difficulty Swallowing
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) affects many individuals, causing discomfort and potentially serious health issues. At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Scott specializes in diagnosing and treating dysphagia with personalized plans, advanced diagnostics, and compassionate care to help you regain comfortable, safe swallowing.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
What Is Difficulty Swallowing?
Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, is a condition where it's hard to move food or liquids from the mouth into the stomach. You may feel as though food is stuck, experience pain when swallowing, or even choke while eating or drinking.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Esophageal strictures (narrowing of the esophagus)
Neuromuscular disorders, such as Parkinson's disease or stroke
Inflammation or infection of the throat or esophagus
Anxiety or stress causing throat tightness
Aging, smoking, or prior radiation therapy to the neck/chest
Signs and Symptoms
Pain or burning sensation when swallowing
Feeling of food sticking in the throat or chest
Coughing, gagging, or choking during meals
Regurgitation of food or saliva
Drooling or difficulty swallowing certain consistencies
Unintentional weight loss
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses This Condition?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He reviews your swallowing symptoms, eating habits, past medical history and performs a focused exam of your throat and neck.
Barium Swallow Study
Under X-ray guidance, you drink a barium solution so Dr. Scott can observe how food and liquid travel through your esophagus and identify any narrowing or motility issues.
Upper Endoscopy (EGD)
A thin, flexible scope is passed into your esophagus to look for inflammation, strictures or other abnormalities. Biopsies can be taken if needed.
Esophageal Manometry
A pressure-sensitive catheter measures the strength and coordination of your esophageal muscle contractions to detect motility disorders.
24-Hour pH Monitoring
A small probe placed in your esophagus records acid exposure over a full day to determine if gastroesophageal reflux is contributing to your symptoms.
Speech and Swallow Evaluation
If necessary, Dr. Scott partners with a speech therapist for specialized swallowing assessments and therapy recommendations.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for difficulty swallowing.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Changes
Eating smaller meals more often
Chewing food slowly and thoroughly
Avoiding hot, spicy, or acidic foods
Staying upright after meals
Sleeping with your head raised
2. Medications
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce acid from reflux
H2 blockers to lower stomach acid
Muscle relaxers for esophageal spasms
Swallowing therapy with a trained speech therapist
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Endoscopic dilation to stretch narrow areas
Botox injections to relax tight esophageal muscles
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICD-10 code for dysphagia?
The code is R13.1, which helps with diagnosis and insurance claims.
Can acid reflux cause swallowing trouble?
Yes. Chronic reflux can irritate or narrow the esophagus, leading to difficulty swallowing.
Can anxiety affect swallowing?
Yes. Stress and anxiety can cause a tight-throat sensation, though physical causes are ruled out first.
What tests help diagnose dysphagia?
Common diagnostic tests include barium swallow, upper endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and pH monitoring.
Is surgery always needed?
No. Many patients improve with lifestyle and diet changes, medications, or simple endoscopic procedures.
When should I see a doctor?
See a specialist if swallowing problems persist for over two weeks or lead to unintentional weight loss.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
Bring a list of your symptoms, any prior test results, and all current medications to your visit.
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