Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, occurs when food, liquids, or pills don't pass smoothly from your mouth into your stomach. You may feel like something is stuck in your throat or chest, and it can be uncomfortable or even painful. The medical code for dysphagia is R13.
Swallowing problems can show up in different ways. Look out for:
Difficulty swallowing can result from issues affecting the muscles, nerves, or structures of the throat and esophagus:
At GastroDoxs in Jersey Village, we deliver patient-centered care for all your swallowing concerns. Our dedicated team of gastroenterologists and swallowing specialists uses advanced diagnostics-endoscopy, barium X-ray, manometry-and partners with speech and ENT experts to pinpoint the cause of your dysphagia. From personalized swallow therapy and diet modifications to minimally invasive dilation and targeted medications, we tailor every treatment plan to your needs.
Don't let difficulty swallowing control your life. Call GastroDoxs today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward comfortable, confident eating and drinking. Book an Appointment Now!
We've successfully 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.
The ICD-10 code for difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is R13, which covers all types of swallowing problems.
Yes. Stress and anxiety can tighten the throat muscles, making it harder to swallow.
Pill size, coating, or dry mouth can cause pills to stick in the throat. Try smaller or coated tablets and drink extra water.
Yes. An enlarged thyroid (goiter) can press on the esophagus, causing discomfort or a feeling of obstruction.
Mild soreness or discomfort is normal for a few days following esophageal dilation as the tissue recovers.
Medical professionals use ICD-10 code R13 to diagnose and bill for dysphagia.
Treatment may include swallow therapy, medications to manage symptoms, dietary modifications, and sometimes feeding tube support.
Ask your doctor about liquid or smaller pill forms, or use specialized pill-swallowing aids to make it easier.
Schedule an evaluation if swallowing difficulty persists for more than two weeks, causes pain, choking, or unexplained weight loss.
Common diagnostic tests include upper endoscopy, barium swallow X-ray, esophageal manometry, and reflux studies.
