Best Dysphagia Doctors in Chennai

Dysphagia is a medical term for difficulty swallowing. It is a condition often caused by muscle or nerve problems, neurological disorders or blockages in the throat or oesophagus. It is more common in older adults and can lead to complications like malnutrition, dehydration and lung infections if left untreated. The condition can be painful and make eating a significant challenge, emphasising the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment.

In Chennai, a bustling metropolitan city renowned for its advanced healthcare services, dysphagia specialists and dysphagia doctors at Apollo Hospitals offer world-class diagnostic and treatment facilities for those suffering from this condition.

Types/Stages of Dysphagia

Dysphagia specialists categorise this condition based on the location of the problem, which helps determine the most effective treatment approach. The main categories include:

• Oral Cavity Dysphagia: Difficulty in the mouth, often caused by lip or tongue weakness, difficulty chewing or problems transporting food from the mouth.

• Oropharyngeal Dysphagia: Difficulty in the mouth or throat, often caused by neurological problems affecting the nerves, such as Parkinson’s disease or stroke.

• Oesophageal Dysphagia: Difficulty in the oesophagus, often caused by blockages or irritation, which may require surgical procedures.

Symptoms of Dysphagia

Recognising the symptoms of dysphagia can facilitate early detection and treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Pain while swallowing

• Difficulty in swallowing

• Feeling as though food or liquids are being swallowed down the wrong pipe

• Coughing or choking during meals

• Weight loss

• Recurrent chest infections

• A hoarse or rough voice

• Regurgitating

• Frequent heartburn

Tests to Diagnose Dysphagia

At Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, dysphagia doctors utilise a multidisciplinary diagnostic approach that includes several tests to accurately diagnose this condition:

• Barium Swallow Test: Patients have to swallow a barium solution, which helps visualise the throat and oesophagus, enabling the diagnosis of any abnormalities.

• Endoscopy: An endoscope is inserted into the throat to visually inspect the oesophagus, collect tissue samples (biopsies) for analysis, and detect inflammation, narrowing or tumours.

• Manometry: This test measures the pressure changes in the oesophagus during swallowing by using a small tube connected to a pressure recorder.

• Imaging Scans: CT or MRI scans are performed to create detailed images of the oesophagus and surrounding tissues, providing information about any structural abnormalities or damage.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Dysphagia at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai

At Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, the expert team of dysphagia specialists and surgeons offer a comprehensive range of treatments focusing on the specific needs of each patient. Treatment options include:

• Medications: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) help reduce inflammation and improve digestion. They are effective in managing symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation and difficulty swallowing.

• Swallowing Therapy: Speech-language therapists (SLTs) provide personalised exercises and dietary advice to improve swallowing function and overall nutrition.

• Nutritional Management: Nutritional assessments are performed to identify deficiencies. This helps to personalise a plan to ensure patients receive adequate nutrition. In severe cases, feeding tubes may be necessary to prevent malnutrition.

• Endoscopic Dilatation: An endoscope may be used to stretch or dilate the constricted oesophagus, allowing for smoother food passage by widening the oesophageal passage.

• Inserting a Stent: A stent can create a passage for food to pass through the oesophagus. This procedure can help restore normal swallowing function and digestion.

• Surgical Procedures: In some cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to cut through a tight ring of muscle, loosening it to improve swallowing.