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Dysphagia

Dysphagia therapy at trusted GastroDoxs in Jersey Village offers specialized, personalized, evidence-based swallowing assessment and comprehensive treatment, ensuring local patients receive compassionate, expert care to improve nutrition, communication, and quality of life right here in the heart of our community.

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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
Bharat Pothuri
Symptoms

What is Dysphagia?

Dysphagia means having trouble swallowing. It can occur in your mouth, throat, or esophagus (the food pipe). Some people confuse dysphagia with dysphasia (a speech problem), but dysphagia specifically refers to swallowing. At GastroDoxs in Jersey Village, we diagnose the cause and guide you through treatment to help you eat and drink safely again.

Common Symptoms

You may experience one or more of the following signs:

  • Food feeling stuck in your throat or chest
  • Coughing or choking while eating or drinking
  • Drooling or spitting food back up
  • Unintended weight loss or dehydration
  • Frequent chest infections or pneumonia

Causes

Dysphagia can be triggered by various medical issues, including:

  • Neurological disorders (stroke, Parkinson's disease)
  • Muscle diseases (scleroderma, myasthenia gravis)
  • Esophageal strictures or tight spots
  • Tumors in the throat or esophagus
  • Acid reflux disease (GERD)
  • Weak or uncoordinated throat muscles
Treatment

Treatment Options for Dysphagia in Jersey Village

Treatment includes therapies, diet changes, and procedures:

  • Swallowing exercises: Tailored therapy to strengthen throat muscles and improve coordination.
  • Diet modifications: Soft foods and thickened liquids reduce choking risk and ease swallowing.
  • Medications: Acid-reflux drugs or muscle relaxants help control GERD and spasms.
  • Esophageal dilation: Gentle widening of tight spots in the food pipe to restore normal passage.
  • Botox injections: Relax overly tight throat muscles in specific dysphagia types.
  • Feeding tubes: Temporary or long-term tube feeding to ensure nutrition when swallowing is unsafe.

Why Choose GastroDoxs?

At GastroDoxs in Jersey Village, we specialize in diagnosing and treating all forms of dysphagia with cutting-edge testing (including video swallow studies and endoscopy) and individualized care plans. Our compassionate, patient-centered approach ensures you understand your condition, your treatment options, and each step toward safer, more comfortable swallowing. Don't let swallowing difficulties control your life book your appointment today and get back to enjoying every bite.

9K

Patients Treated

We've successfully treated more than 9K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

20Y

Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

Bharat Pothuri

About the Author

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for dysphagia?

The general code for dysphagia is R13.10. Additional, more specific codes exist for different types and locations of swallowing disorders.

How do you say "dysphagia"?

Dysphagia is pronounced dis-FAY-jee-uh.

What is pharyngeal dysphagia?

Pharyngeal dysphagia refers to difficulty moving food from the back of the mouth into the throat (pharynx) during swallowing.

What is the ICD-10 code for oropharyngeal dysphagia?

The ICD-10 code for oropharyngeal dysphagia is R13.11.

How do you treat dysphagia?

Treatment options include swallowing therapy with a speech-language pathologist, dietary modifications (soft or thickened foods), medications, and minimally invasive procedures.

What's the difference between dysphagia and dysphasia?

Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder. Dysphasia is a speech and language disorder affecting the ability to communicate.

How is oral dysphagia treated?

Oral dysphagia is managed with chewing exercises, oral motor therapy, and guidance on proper food textures to ensure safe swallowing.

Can a gastroenterologist help with dysphagia?

Yes. Gastroenterologists specialize in the digestive tract and can diagnose, manage, and treat many forms of dysphagia using tests and targeted therapies.

Where can I find help for dysphagia in Jersey Village?

GastroDoxs in Jersey Village offers evaluation, testing, and personalized treatment plans for swallowing disorders.

How do you test for swallowing trouble?

Common diagnostic tests include a video fluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) and endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) to visualize the swallowing process.

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