Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder that makes it hard to move food or liquid from your mouth down through your throat or esophagus. It can involve the throat (pharyngoesophageal dysphagia) or the food pipe (esophageal dysphagia) and is coded in the ICD-10 as R13. It's pronounced dys-FAY-juh.
You may notice one or more of the following when you eat or drink:
Several conditions and factors can lead to dysphagia, including:
At GastroDoxs in Katy, we deliver patient-centered dysphagia care using the latest diagnostic tests and personalized treatment plans. Our experienced team works closely with you-offering gentle procedures, speech-therapy support, diet modifications, and advanced therapies-to restore safe, comfortable swallowing and improve your quality of life. Don't let swallowing difficulties hold you back. Book your appointment today and take the first step toward enjoying meals again with confidence.
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 primary code for dysphagia is R13, with subcodes used to specify whether the swallowing difficulty is in the pharynx, esophagus, or another part of the upper digestive tract.
Dysphagia is pronounced "dys-FAY-juh."
Dysphagia means it's hard to swallow, whereas odynophagia means swallowing causes pain.
Yes. Chronic acid reflux from GERD can inflame or scar the esophagus, leading to narrowing and difficulty swallowing.
Doctors often use barium X-rays, upper endoscopy (EGD), and esophageal manometry to evaluate structure and muscle function.
You can search online for "dysphagia doctor in Katy" or contact GastroDoxs to schedule an evaluation with our gastroenterologist.
Yes. Most cases improve with targeted therapies such as swallowing exercises, dietary changes, and minimally invasive procedures.
Often yes. Treating acid reflux with medications, lifestyle adjustments, and swallowing therapy can restore comfortable swallowing.
Treatment is personalized based on your tests and may include medication, swallowing therapy, esophageal dilation, or surgery in severe cases.
With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, most people regain normal, pain-free swallowing and return to regular eating habits.
