About Dysphagia
Key Highlights
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Comprehensive evaluation by a specialist in throat and swallowing anatomy.Utilizes advanced diagnostic tools like endoscopy and imaging for precise diagnosis.Offers a range of therapeutic procedures, from minimally invasive to surgical, tailored to the specific cause.Aims to restore safe swallowing, improve quality of life, and prevent serious complications like malnutrition and aspiration.Multidisciplinary approach often involving speech-language pathologists and dietitians for holistic care.
Who is this surgery for?
- Persistent difficulty or pain when swallowing solids, liquids, or both.
- Sensation of food being stuck in the throat or chest (globus sensation).
- Recurrent coughing or choking during or after eating or drinking.
- Unexplained weight loss or dehydration due to swallowing difficulties.
- History of recurrent pneumonia or chest infections suggesting aspiration.
- Following a stroke, neurological disorder (e.g., Parkinson's, ALS), or head/neck surgery or radiation.
- Suspected structural problems like esophageal strictures, webs, or tumors.
How to prepare
- Provide a complete medical history, including all medications and supplements.
- Inform the doctor of any allergies, especially to anesthetics or contrast dyes.
- Fast (no food or drink) for several hours before any endoscopic or imaging procedure as instructed.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after procedures involving sedation.
- For certain tests, you may be asked to temporarily stop blood-thinning medications under doctor's guidance.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to the appointment.
Risks & possible complications
- Diagnostic procedures (like endoscopy) carry minimal risks of throat discomfort, gagging, or minor bleeding.
- Rare risks of diagnostic endoscopy include perforation (tear) of the esophagus or an adverse reaction to sedation.
- Therapeutic procedures (like dilation) carry risks of esophageal perforation, bleeding, or infection.
- Post-procedure sore throat, hoarseness, or chest discomfort is common and usually temporary.
- General anesthesia risks (if required for surgery) include reactions to medications, breathing problems, or blood clots.
Recovery & hospital stay
- After diagnostic tests, you can usually resume normal activities once sedation wears off, often the same day.
- Avoid eating or drinking until the gag reflex returns if topical anesthesia was used.
- Post-therapeutic procedure (e.g., dilation), a soft or liquid diet may be recommended for a short period.
- Take prescribed medications, such as pain relievers or acid reducers, as directed.
- Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing and swallowing progress.
- Work closely with a speech-language pathologist if swallowing therapy is prescribed to retrain muscles and learn safe techniques.
- Report any severe pain, fever, difficulty breathing, or bleeding to your doctor immediately.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-2 days
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Expected recovery time: 1 day to 4 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering dysphagia in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for dysphagia in India include Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, KMC Hospital Mangalore, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform dysphagia. MediFyr helps you compare ent specialists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for dysphagia compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Dysphagia in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ent teams and experience managing patients undergoing dysphagia.
Saanvi Roy, a 68-year-old retired school...
Saanvi Roy, a 68-year-old retired school principal, had always been the vibrant heart of her family. Over the past year, she noticed a gradual but persistent difficulty swallowing, starting with dry crackers and eventually even her morning tea. Meals became a source of anxiety, marked by frequent coughing, a sensation of food sticking in her throat, and unintended weight loss. Her primary care doctor referred her to an ENT specialist, Dr. Mehta. After a videofluoroscopic swallow study revealed significant pharyngeal dysphagia with poor coordination, Dr. Mehta recommended a tailored course of swallowing therapy with a speech-language pathologist, focusing on strengthening exercises and safe swallowing strategies. Saanvi attended twice-weekly sessions diligently, practicing her exercises at home. The treatment was challenging and sometimes frustrating, but she persevered. After three months, she regained the ability to enjoy most foods safely, though she remained cautious with very dry textures. Emotionally, she journeyed from fear and social isolation, avoiding dinners with friends, to immense relief and regained confidence. She felt like she had reclaimed a fundamental joy of life and her role as the family matriarch at the dinner table.
ENT Specialists for Dysphagia
Explore experienced ent specialists who regularly perform dysphagia and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 16 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
- 26 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 43 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 38 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 36 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 10 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 19 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 26 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore