Learn about Dysphagia Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Dysphagia and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Dysphagia

Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a symptom evaluated and managed by an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist. The ENT's role involves a comprehensive diagnostic workup to identify the underlying cause, which can range from structural issues like strictures or tumors to neurological conditions or muscular dysfunction. The diagnostic process typically includes a detailed patient history, a physical examination of the head and neck, and specialized tests such as a flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) or a videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS). Based on the diagnosis, the ENT may recommend and perform various therapeutic procedures, including endoscopic dilation for strictures, laser therapy for obstructions, or injections for muscle weakness. The goal is to restore safe and efficient swallowing, improve nutrition, and prevent complications like aspiration pneumonia.

Key Highlights

    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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0-2 days
  • checked 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.

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.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 54 – USD 1,632 0-2 days ~ 1 day to 4 weeks Know More
Turkey USD 403 – USD 12,079 0-2 days ~ 1 day to 4 weeks Know More

Top hospitals for Dysphagia in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ent teams and experience managing patients undergoing dysphagia.

Manipal Hospital Goa

  • IconPanaji, India
  • Icon79 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon30 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Patiala

  • IconPatiala, India
  • Icon52 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon129 Doctors

KMC Hospital Mangalore

  • IconMangalore, India
  • Icon38 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon57 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Hebbal

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon150 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Hebbal

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon150 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Ranchi

  • IconRanchi, India
  • Icon41 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

I was a total wreck before...

I was a total wreck before my appointment. First time seeing a doctor on my own and I was convinced it was something serious. Dr. Muthusamy just had this calm way about him. He listened to all my jumbled-up worries, did a quick check, and explained everything in a way that actually made sense. Walked out feeling silly for being so nervous, but mostly just relieved.

ENT Specialists for Dysphagia

Explore experienced ent specialists who regularly perform dysphagia and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Vignesh Jayakumar
  • 15 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. P Nataraj
  • 24 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi, Tamil

MediFyr Plus SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vijay Prasad Bania
  • 20 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Siliguri

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Arup Sengupta
  • 17 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Siliguri

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Dr. Richard Narjinary
  • 10 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Siliguri

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Archana Muralidharan
  • 24 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal

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Dr. Bhaskar Reddy
  • 23 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal

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Dr. Sebi
  • 14 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal

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Dr. Rvs Kumar
  • 14 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

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Dr. C. Anand Kumar
  • 9 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital King Koti

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Dr. Shashidhar Tb
  • 21 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

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Dr. Poonam Gautam
  • 25 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dilpreet Bajwa
  • 18 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

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Dr. Swetha
  • 6 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

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Dr. Sanjeev Kr Jain Kr
  • 24 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad

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Dr. Anuj Goel
  • 19 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad

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Dr. Abhishek Sharma
  • 16 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jaipur

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Dr. K.K. Kapoor
  • 34 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Faridabad

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Dr. Kk Handa K
  • 33 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Aru Chhabra Handa
  • 33 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

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