Dysphagia: Four Helpful Dysphagia Treatments
Swallowing should be easy. However, with dysphagia even simple meals can be stressful. The prevalence in the U.S is 1 in 25 adults above 50 years. Unattended, it may result in weight loss, dehydration or even pneumonia. The good news? Help is available.
Here, we will take you through the best strategies to use to treat dysphagia in adults, provide useful tips on nutrition, and indicate where you can receive specialized care in Houston.
Diagnosis at an early stage and tailored services can transform lives, according to Dr. Bharat Pothuri, a gastroenterologist, in Gastrodoxs. We have a multi-disciplinary team of speech therapists, dietitians, and surgeons aiming to assist all patients.
What we'll cover:
- The definition of dysphagia and the reason why it requires attention
- There are four treatments, including food changes to dilation
- To compare with each other in a flash
- Specialists in Houston will be found where
- Tips to help manage the swallowing problems everyday
Section 1: An introduction to Dysphagia
What is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia is a situation that is difficult to swallow. You can experience that food is lodged in the throat or the chest. You may cough, gag or just avoid eating with others.
- During eating, coughing or choking
- Salivation or obstruction in the teeth
- Regurgitation
- Weight loss or dehydration
- Hoarse voice after eating
Why It Happens
There are numerous muscles and nerves involved in swallowing. Dysphagia can happen due to:
- Stroke or brain diseases (such as Parkinson or MS)
- Head or neck cancer
- GERD or a narrowed esophagus
- Problems with the muscles (such as myositis)
- Weak muscles from aging
When not taken care of it may result in malnutrition or pneumonia. That is the reason why early assistance is necessary. Read more from the NIH.
Section 2: The Reason You Shouldn't Wait
When it becomes difficult to swallow, do not postpone treatment, says Dr. Pothuri. The tailor-made program is capable of securing your health and well-being.
Risks of ignoring dysphagia:
- Liquid or food that enters the lungs (aspiration pneumonia)
- Weight loss and low energy
- Being excluded at meals
- Increased hospital expenses on medical bills
Houston has the best providers and they can assist early before things start getting serious.
Section 3: Four Desirable Therapies
We can consider four of the effective approaches to dysphagia treatment. These options can be recommended by your doctor, or a combination of these.
3.1 Diet Modifications
Getting better quickly can be achieved by changing your diet of what you eat and how you eat.
Tips that help:
- Eat soft or pureed food such as applesauce or mashed potatoes
- Use thick liquids (nectar-, honey-, or pudding-like)
- Do not eat dry and sticky foods such as crackers or peanut butter
- Eat smaller meals more often
A speech therapist will be able to examine your swallowing and prescribe the appropriate food and drink textures. See this Mayo Clinic guide.
Dr. Pothuri says that small diet changes can make a meaningful difference in digestive comfort. For some patients, even choosing softer, easier-to-digest foods like pureed soups may help reduce discomfort while the body heals or adjusts.
3.2 Swallowing Therapy
The speech-language pathologist (SLP) can also take you through exercises in order to make the muscles work more effectively.
Common exercises include:
- Effortful swallow swallow with more force
- Mendelsohn maneuver this is an increase in the length of time you hold your voice box up during a swallow.
- Masako hand in mouth swallowing This involves holding your tongue using your teeth and swallowing
- Shaker exercise turn on your back and recline your head upwards to strengthen it
The therapy sessions take about 30-60 minutes. Majority of the patients attend 6-12 sessions. Daily practice at home is key.
As physical therapy on the throat, it works, Dr. Pothuri explains.
3.3 Endoscopic Dilation
In case your esophagus is too small, dilation can be of help.
How it works:
- On a light sedation
- Small scope and balloon or dilator are utilized
- The instrument stretches the tight section
- The majority of patients discharge home on the same day
It is usually the most beneficial to individuals whose passages are limited due to scarring or rings
3.4 Drugs and Other alternatives
In the case of dysphagia caused by reflux or spasms, medications are helpful.
Treatment options:
- GERD (such as omeprazole) proton pump inhibitors
- H2 blockers (like famotidine)
- Muscle relaxants
- Botox injections for spasms
- Electrical stimulation of therapy
Discuss the risks, benefits and the next steps with your doctor.
Treatment Comparison Table
| Treatment | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diet Modifications | Soft foods and thick liquids | No surgery, easy, low cost | Some can make them feel bound |
| Swallowing Therapy | Muscle activities with an SLP | Improves functionality in the long run | Effort andTime consuming |
| Endoscopic Dilation | Lengthens constricted esophagus | Minor risks (bleeding, tear) | Fast relief, outpatient procedure |
| Drugs and Other Management | Reflux and spasms treatment | Addresses underlying cause | Side effects, continued expense |
Section 4: Community Resources in Houston
Houston has numerous best swallowing disorder clinics in case you are in need of treatment.
Best dysphagia treatment facilities:
- Gastrodoxs (Digestive Health) (Downtown Houston)
- UTHealth Memorial Hermann Dysphagia Clinic
- Houston Methodist GI Center
- Texas Medical Center Swallow Clinic
We have dietitians and SLPs in our own clinic, says Dr. Pothuri
Need care? Here's how to start:
- Request your primary doctor to make a referral
- Look into your insurance on in-network clinics
- Reserve with Gastrodoxs.com
- Contact the local hospitals such as Baylor St. Luke
Section 5: Everyday Swallowing Ideas
Even little actions can make you safe when eating:
- Sit erectly during meals and 30 minutes afterwards
- Grind food in your mouth and eat in small bits
- Alternate thick sips of water
- Do not speak with your mouth full
- Learn first aid to do in case of choking
- Become a member of a local or online support organization to be encouraged
Conclusion
You do not have to be Dysphagia. You will be able to eat with more confidence with treatments such as food changes, therapy and dilation. Develop a plan that suits you by collaborating with a team of experts in Houston.
According to Dr. Pothuri, teamwork will give great results. We make patients and families stronger.
Ready for help? Call our office in Houston or visit Gastrodoxs.com.
