Dysphagia
Best Dysphagia Treatment in Pune
Are you or your loved one experiencing difficulties with swallowing? At Kaizen Gastro Care Clinic, we understand the challenges that come with dysphagia and are dedicated to providing the best dysphagia treatment in Pune.
Dysphagia can occur due to various reasons such as neurological disorders, stroke, aging, or head and neck injuries. If left untreated, dysphagia can lead to severe health problems such as malnutrition, dehydration, and pneumonia.
Over the past year, Kaizen Gastro Care experts have treated more than 100 patients suffering from Dysphagia, indicating a significant number of patients with Dysphagia condition. Our experienced team of adept endoscopists, Dr. Vikrant Kale, and advanced laparoscopic surgeon Dr. Samrat Jankar specializes in diagnosing and managing swallowing disorders. We are committed to helping individuals with swallowing difficulties regain their ability to eat, drink, and speak with confidence. With advanced diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatment techniques, we offer comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
On this page, Dr. Samrat Jankar and Dr. Vikrant Kale share information about the stages, causes, and treatment options for Dysphagia.
What is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia is a medical condition characterized by difficulties in swallowing either liquid or solid. More effort and time are required to move food from your mouth to your gut. Dysphagia may or may not be associated with discomfort or pain. It can affect people of all ages and may result from various underlying causes, such as neurological disorders, muscle weakness, structural abnormalities, or post-surgical complications.
Stages of Dysphagia:
- Oropharyngeal dysphagia: This type of dysphagia occurs when there is a concern with the movement of food or liquid from the mouth to the throat. It can be caused by neurological disorders, such as stroke or Parkinson’s disease, or structural problems, such as a tumor or inflammation.
- Esophageal dysphagia: This type of dysphagia occurs when there is an issue with the movement of food or liquid through the esophagus. It can be caused by conditions such as acid reflux disease, strictures, or a motility disorder.
- Esophagogastric dysphagia: This type of dysphagia occurs when there is an issue with the movement of food or liquid from the esophagus to the stomach. It can be caused by conditions such as achalasia or a hiatal hernia.
- Paraesophageal dysphagia: This type of dysphagia occurs when there is an issue with the movement of food or liquid due to a physical block in the esophagus, such as a tumor or foreign body.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Pain or Difficulty while swallowing
- Suffocating sensation while swallowing
- A frequent complaint of heartburn
- Regurgitation of food or liquids
- Fatigue and unexplained weight loss
- Vomiting after drinking or eating
- Cough while swallowing
- A sensation of a lump in the throat
- Drooling
- Recurring respiratory infections
- Changes in voice or speech
What can cause difficulty swallowing?
Dysphagia refers to a disturbance in the swallowing process, which can be caused by various factors. The following are common causes of dysphagia:
- Esophageal Stricture: Restricting of the esophagus due to scar tissue, inflammation, or cancer.
- Esophageal Cancer: Tumors in the esophagus can block the passage of food.
- Esophageal Rings or Webs: Thin, abnormal tissue growths that partially block the esophagus.
- Zenker’s Diverticulum: A bag that forms in the wall of the esophagus, causing food to collect and difficulty swallowing.
- Achalasia: A condition where the lower esophageal sphincter fails to relax properly, leading to difficulty in food extraction into the stomach.
- Scleroderma: A connective tissue disease that can cause hardening and tightening of the esophageal muscles.
- Stroke: Damage to the parts of the brain that control swallowing can lead to dysphagia.
- Parkinson’s Disease: Deterioration of nerves involved in muscle control can affect swallowing.
- Impacted Foreign Bodies: Large pieces of food or other objects that evolve stuck in the esophagus.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus can cause inflammation and narrowing of the esophagus, leading to difficulty swallowing.
- Muscular Disorders: Weak or bad muscle function in the mouth, throat, or esophagus can make swallowing difficult. Conditions like myasthenia gravis and certain muscular dystrophies can lead to dysphagia.
- Medications and Treatments: Certain medications can cause dry mouth or affect muscle function, contributing to swallowing difficulties. Additionally, treatments like radiation therapy or surgery in the head, neck, or chest regions can lead to temporary or permanent swallowing difficulties.
- Pediatric Causes: In children, dysphagia can be caused by factors such as prematurity, nervous system disorders, or birth defects like cleft lip or cleft palate.
These factors can interfere with the usual swallowing process, causing difficulty or pain while swallowing. Depending on the underlying cause, dysphagia can vary from mild to severe and may require different treatments. It is important to consult with a Dysphagia specialist in Pune if you are experiencing difficulty swallowing or other related symptoms.
How is Kaizen Gastro Care Diagnose with Dysphagia?
At Kaizen Gastro Care, we begin our dysphagia treatment process with a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis. Our skilled team of swallowing specialists utilizes advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to assess the severity and nature of your swallowing difficulty.
The diagnostic process may include the following steps:
- Medical history: Dr. Samrat Jankar & Dr. Vikrant Kale will review your symptoms and medical history, including any previous medical conditions, surgeries, or medications that could contribute to swallowing difficulties.
- Physical examination: Dr. Samrat Jankar & Dr. Vikrant Kale may perform a physical examination of the mouth, throat, and neck to check for any abnormalities or signs of inflammation.
- Swallowing assessment: This evaluation may involve observing your swallowing ability by asking you to swallow different textures and consistencies of food and liquids. The gastroenterologist may listen to your throat with a stethoscope during swallowing to detect any abnormal sounds.
- Imaging tests: Several imaging tests can provide exact pictures of the swallowing procedure and identify any structural abnormalities or obstructions. These tests may include:
- Barium swallow: You swallow a liquid containing barium, which coats the esophagus and helps determine any abnormalities during X-ray imaging.
- Videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS): This test involves swallowing food or liquid mixed with barium while a radiologist records X-ray videos to estimate swallowing function in real-time.
- Oesophageal manometry: This test can confirm the diagnosis of dysphagia. At Kaizen Gastro Care, Dr. Rupali Bandgar, an expert gastro physiologist in Pune, performs Oesophageal High-resolution Manometry, in which a thin tube is passed through the nose into the esophagus to measure the pressure and coordination of the muscles involved in swallowing.
- Esophagoduodenoscopy (EGD) or upper endoscopy: A flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) is inserted through the mouth or nose to visualize the throat, esophagus, and stomach. It can assist identify any structural issues, inflammation, or abnormalities.
- Additional tests: Depending on the suspected cause of dysphagia, additional tests may be ordered such as pH monitoring to evaluate acid reflux, electromyography (EMG) to assess the functioning of the muscles involved in swallowing, or CT/MRI scans to assess structural abnormalities.
The specific diagnostic method will depend on the individual’s symptoms, medical history, and the healthcare provider’s clinical assessment. It is vital to consult with a Kaizen expert Gastroenterologist in Pune, Maharashtra to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for dysphagia.
Best Dysphagia Treatment at the Kaizen Gastro Care, Pune:
At our Dysphagia Treatment Center in Pune, Maharashtra we take a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing and treating swallowing difficulties. Our team consists of gastroenterologists, dieticians, and other specialists who work together to develop a personalized treatment plan for each patient. Our goal is to improve swallowing function, enhance nutritional intake, and enhance overall well-being.
treatment options may include:
- Dietary modifications: Our nutritionists Dt. Bhushan Khedkar works closely with the dysphagia treatment team to develop customized dietary plans that suit your swallowing abilities and nutritional requirements. We provide guidance on texture modifications, food choices, and mealtime strategies to enhance your safety and enjoyment of meals.
- Medications: Depending on the underlying cause of dysphagia, certain medications may be specified to manage symptoms or enhance swallowing function. For example, proton pump inhibitors can decrease acid reflux, which can contribute to swallowing difficulties.
- Surgical intervention: In certain cases, surgical procedures may be essential to treat structural abnormalities or remove tumors or growths that are obstructing the swallowing passage.
- Feeding tubes: In severe cases of dysphagia where oral intake is insufficient or unsafe, a feeding tube may be suggested. Feeding tubes can provide nutrition directly into the stomach or intestines, ensuring adequate nourishment while minimizing the risk of aspiration.
- Dilation: If dysphagia is caused by a narrowing of the esophagus (esophageal stricture), a process called dilation may be performed. It involves stretching the narrowed area using a dilator or balloon.
Why choose Kaizen Gastro Care for your Dysphagia treatment?
- Experienced gastroenterologist Team: Dr. Vikrant Kale and Dr. Samart Jankar is the experienced gastroenterologist and Gastro-intestinal surgeon in the Pune and PCMC area who provides the best care for all gastric and esophageal diseases.
- Advanced diagnosis and treatment: Kaizen Gastro Care provides a full range of diagnostic tests and innovative treatments, many of which are not offered by other esophageal specialty clinics in Pune.
- Location: Kaizen Gastro Care Clinic is located at the Pune and PCMC Prime location i.e. Wakad Area. This is the central location of Pune City. The patient can easily come with all public transport.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our Dysphagia Treatment Center in Pune is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic tools to ensure accurate assessments and adequate treatments.
- A Dedicated Esophageal Center: Seeking care at a dedicated esophageal center means you will benefit from a team of experts who specialize in esophageal diseases and motility disorders like achalasia. We expedite your diagnostic testing needs and work together to ensure you receive the best treatment for your type of achalasia.
- Minimally invasive techniques: Kaizen Experts use minimally invasive techniques for diagnosing and treating achalasia to help manage and prevent your symptoms.
- We Manage Your Care for the Long Term: We continue to see you immediately after your initial treatment, then annually, to ensure you are doing well and to spot complications that can arise. We want to identify concerns early so we can treat you immediately and effectively.
Kaizen Gastro Care is considered one of the best centers for dysphagia treatment in Pune, India due for several reasons:
- Expertise under one roof: Kaizen Gastro Care has a team of highly skilled and extensively experienced gastroenterologists in diagnosing and treating dysphagia, such as Dr. Samrat Jankar, an advanced laparoscopic surgeon, and Dr. Vikrant Kale, an expert endoscopist & gastroenterologist. We stay up-to-date with the latest research and treatment techniques to deliver the best care possible.
- Advanced Technology: The center is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology to provide the latest and most effective treatment choices for dysphagia.
- Comprehensive Care: Kaizen Gastro Care offers an exhaustive approach to dysphagia treatment, including accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and thorough postoperative care. The center provides a multidisciplinary approach, involving gastroenterologists, surgeons, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals, to ensure holistic care for patients.
- Patient-Centric Approach: The center concentrates on providing personalized care and attention to each patient. We prioritize the individual needs and goals of our patients, tailoring treatment plans to address their specific challenges and preferences.
- Track Record of Success: Kaizen Gastro Care has a proven track record of successful outcomes in treating dysphagia patients. The center has a high success rate in reaching long-term sign relief and improving the quality of life for patients suffering from dysphagia.
- Compassionate Care and Ongoing Support: At Kaizen Gastro Care, we prioritize not only your physical well-being but also your emotional ease throughout the dysphagia treatment journey. Our compassionate team is committed to providing a supportive environment where you can freely express your concerns and ask questions. We believe that education and ongoing support are essential for successful treatment results. Our experts will guide you on proper swallowing techniques, lifestyle modifications, and strategies to maintain progress outside of therapy sessions.
Request an Appointment:
If you or your loved one is experiencing difficulty swallowing, don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule a consultation with our best gastroenterologist in PCMC, Pune. Our dedicated team of professionals at Kaizen Gastro Care is here to offer the best dysphagia treatment in Pune. Regain your confidence and improve your quality of life by scheduling a consultation today. For more information about our comprehensive treatment options, or to request an appointment with the Best Stomach Specialist in Pune call 9763635252.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):
You should call your doctor about difficulty swallowing in the following situations:
- If you experience persistent or worsening difficulty swallowing
- If you have pain or discomfort while swallowing
- If you have unexplained weight loss or difficulty eating enough food
- If you cough or choke frequently while eating or drinking
- If you have regurgitation of food or liquids
- If you have recurring respiratory infections or pneumonia
- If you notice a change in your voice or speech patterns
- Complications of dysphagia include:
- Malnutrition and dehydration.
- Aspiration pneumonia.
- Weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.
- Reduced quality of life.
- Recurrent respiratory infections.
- Choking or airway obstruction.
- A decline in oral health.
- Reduced independence.
Kaizen Gastro Care is a well-known gastroenterology center that provides complete care for digestive disorders, including dysphagia. They have a team of experienced gastroenterologists and offer cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment options for dysphagia. It is advisable to research and consult with healthcare professionals to find a clinic or gastroenterology center that suits your specific needs and location.
Dysphagia can be controlled and treated, but whether it can be completely cured depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, managing the cause or controlling the symptoms effectively can lead to significant improvement or even resolution of dysphagia. However, in certain conditions, such as progressive neurological conditions, dysphagia may be a chronic disorder that requires ongoing management and adaptation.
No, it is unlikely for dysphagia to go away on its own without proper evaluation and treatment. Dysphagia is a symptom of an underlying condition, and resolving dysphagia typically requires addressing the cause of the swallowing difficulty.