1.9K Reviews | 4.7 Star Rating | 20+ years of experience | 72k+ Patients Treated
Dysphagia
Struggling with swallowing difficulties can disrupt life and pose health risks. At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Scott specializes in diagnosing and treating dysphagia, offering personalized care plans, advanced tests, and innovative treatments to restore safe, comfortable swallowing and improve well-being.
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.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Stroke or other nerve damage
Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or other neurodegenerative disorders
Muscle weakness or connectiveâtissue diseases (e.g., scleroderma)
Acid reflux (GERD) or tumors/growths in the esophagus
Age-related muscle atrophy and slower swallow reflex
Certain medications that cause dry mouth or relax muscles
Heavy smoking or alcohol use
Prior neck or chest surgery or radiation
Signs and Symptoms
Coughing or choking during or after eating
Pain or discomfort when swallowing
Regurgitation of food or liquids
Unintentional weight loss or poor nutrition
Frequent chest or lung infections (aspiration pneumonia)
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses Dysphagia
Dr. Scott uses several tools to find the cause:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He starts by discussing your symptoms, dietary habits, and medical history, followed by a physical exam.
Barium Swallow X-ray
You swallow a special liquid while X-rays track its movement through your esophagus to identify any blockages or narrowing.
Endoscopy
Dr. Scott uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to look inside your esophagus for inflammation, ulcers, or other abnormalities.
Esophageal Manometry
This test measures the strength and coordination of your esophageal muscles during swallowing.
ICD-10 Code
The diagnosis code R13.10 is used for accurate documentation and insurance processing.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for dysphagia.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Tips
Take small bites and chew thoroughly
Sit upright during and after meals
Choose soft foods or thicken liquids as needed
Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and foods that trigger reflux
2. Medications
Acid-reflux treatments (proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers)
Muscle-relaxing agents for esophageal spasms
Saliva-stimulating or moisturizing therapies for dry mouth
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Balloon dilation to widen a narrowed esophagus
Botox injections to ease muscle spasms
Endoscopic removal of strictures, rings, or foreign bodies
POEM (peroral endoscopic myotomy) for disorders like achalasia
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 code for dysphagia?
R13.10 is the ICD-10 code for general swallowing difficulty, used for accurate diagnosis documentation and insurance purposes.
Is dysphagia a serious condition?
It can be. Trouble swallowing may lead to choking, aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, or dehydration if left untreated.
Are there different stages of swallowing problems?
Yes. Dysphagia can occur during chewing, moving food in the mouth, the throat phase, or as food enters the esophagus.
Can diet and lifestyle changes fix dysphagia?
Sometimes mild cases improve with small bites, thorough chewing, posture adjustments, and modified food/liquid textures. More severe cases often require additional therapy or intervention.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery varies. Some patients notice improvement within weeks of starting treatment, while others may need months of therapy and monitoring.
Do you accept Houston insurance plans?
Yes. GastroDoxs works with most major Houston-area insurance providers to ensure your care is covered.
Will I need surgery for dysphagia?
Not always. Many patients improve with diet modifications, exercises, and medications. Minimally invasive procedures are reserved for strictures or severe motility disorders.
Related Blogs
Feel Like You Always Have Food Stuck in Your Throat? You May Have Dysphagia
