Best Dysphagia Doctors in Indore

Dysphagia or difficulty swallowing can happen to anyone, but it is more common in older people. This can be caused by problems with the nerves and muscles involved in swallowing or by blockages in the throat or oesophagus. Certain neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis or birth defects can increase the risk of dysphagia. Additionally, certain medications or health conditions can cause the oesophagus to narrow or scar, making it harder to swallow.

In Indore, Apollo Hospitals houses some of the best doctors for dysphagia treatment who are adept at recognising the nuances of this ailment based on its root cause. The team of highly qualified gastroenterologists, dysphagia specialists and surgeons ensures effective diagnosis and treatment plans for every patient.

Types/Stages of Dysphagia

Gastroenterologists and doctors for dysphagia categorise this into three types:

• Oral Cavity Dysphagia: This occurs when there is a problem due to tongue or lip weakness, chewing difficulty or transporting food from the mouth.

• Oropharyngeal Dysphagia: This type is identified when the problem is in the mouth and throat—often due to neurological issues that affect nerves.

• Oesophageal Dysphagia: This issue arises in the oesophagus caused by blockages or irritation.

Symptoms of Dysphagia

The symptoms accompanying dysphagia can vary according to severity and cause. These include:

• Pain while swallowing

• Difficulty initiating a swallow

• A sensation as if food or liquids are entering the windpipe

• Persistent coughing or choking during meals

• Unexplained weight loss and repeated chest infections

• Hoarseness

• Food coming back up into the oesophagus

• Frequent heartburn

Tests to Diagnose Dysphagia

At Apollo Hospitals Indore, specialists for dysphagia treatment utilise a range of tests to effectively diagnose this illness:

• Barium Swallow Test: A barium solution has to be swallowed that helps to clearly show the throat and oesophagus.

• Endoscopy: An endoscope may be used to visually inspect the oesophagus, collect tissue samples (biopsies) for analysis, and detect inflammation, narrowing or tumours.

• Manometry: This measures the pressure changes in the oesophagus when swallowing, using a small tube connected to a pressure recorder.

• Imaging Scans: CT or MRI scans may be done to create detailed images of the oesophagus and surrounding tissues.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Dysphagia at Apollo Hospitals Indore

With a team of the best dysphagia doctors and dysphagia surgeons, Apollo Hospitals, Indore is poised to provide leading-edge treatment options tailored to individual patient needs. Most swallowing issues are manageable, and treatment depends on the type of dysphagia:

• Medications: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may be prescribed to ease symptoms caused by narrowing or scarring of the oesophagus.

• Swallowing Therapy: Swallow therapists may provide exercises and dietary advice to improve swallowing.

• Nutritional Management: To ensure adequate nourishment, nutritional assessments and management may be necessary, which could involve feeding tubes in severe cases.

• Endoscopic Dilatation: Constricted sections of the oesophagus may be stretched or dilated using an endoscope with a small camera.

• Inserting a Stent: A stent may be 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.