Best Dysphagia Doctors in Bangalore

Dysphagia is a medical term to refer to difficulty in swallowing. This uncomfortable experience can occur at any age, with a higher prevalence noted among the older population. Dysphagia may stem from various underlying medical conditions affecting the muscles and nerves involved in the swallowing process. The causes can include neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis; physical obstructions or narrowing in the throat or oesophagus; trauma or damage to the nervous system and certain congenital conditions.

The experienced dysphagia treatment doctors and specialists for dysphagia at Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore are committed to diagnosing and offering their expertise to deliver effective care and treatment to patients suffering from this condition.

Types/Stages of Dysphagia

Dysphagia is traditionally classified by best doctors for dysphagia into three types depending on where the problem arises:

• Oral Cavity Dysphagia: Located in the mouth, this type is usually caused by issues like tongue or lip weakness, difficulty in chewing food or problems transporting food from the mouth.

• Oropharyngeal Dysphagia: Problems in the mouth or throat, often caused by neurological issues like Parkinson's disease or stroke.

• Oesophageal Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing due to blockages or irritation in the oesophagus, often requiring surgical procedures to resolve.

Symptoms of Dysphagia

The manifestation of dysphagia symptoms can vary among individuals based on severity and the underlying cause. However, common symptoms include:

• Pain while swallowing

• Difficulty in swallowing

• The sensation of food or liquids going down the windpipe

• Frequent coughing or choking episodes

• Unexplained weight loss

• Recurring chest infections

• Frequent heartburn

Tests to Diagnose Dysphagia

To correctly diagnose dysphagia, the following tests may be recommended by dysphagia treatment doctors and surgeons for dysphagia at Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore:

• Barium Swallow Test: The patient must swallow a barium solution that coats the oesophagus, allowing dysphagia doctors to see changes in its shape and check muscular activity.

• Endoscopy: A thin, flexible lighted instrument called an endoscope is passed down the throat to examine the oesophagus, collect tissue samples (biopsies) for analysis, and detect inflammation, narrowing or tumours.

• Manometry: A small tube is inserted into the oesophagus and connected to a pressure recorder to measure muscle contractions during swallowing.

• Imaging Scans: Scans such as MRI or CT show detailed images of the oesophagus and surrounding tissues.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Dysphagia at Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore

Most swallowing issues are manageable and can be treated based on the type of dysphagia and its cause. The dedicated team of dysphagia surgeons and dysphagia treatment doctors at Apollo Hospitals in Bangalore are equipped with advanced medical technology and expertise to offer an array of treatment options tailored to each patient's unique needs. These include:

• Medications: Drugs like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can improve symptoms caused by narrowing or scarring of the oesophagus.

• Swallowing Therapy: Speech-language therapists (SLTs) use various techniques to help improve swallowing, such as teaching swallowing exercises and providing advice on diet and nutrition.

• Nutritional Management: Patients are assessed to ensure they are not malnourished, followed by recommendations on necessary diet changes or supplements. In severe cases, feeding tubes may be necessary to provide nutrition.

• Endoscopic Dilatation: Constricted sections of the oesophagus are stretched or dilated using an endoscope to improve swallowing.

• Inserting a Stent: A stent is inserted to create a larger path for food to move through the oesophagus.

• Surgery: Surgery is often used to treat various types of oesophageal dysphagia to restore normal swallowing function.