Dysphagia
Best Dysphagia Treatment in PCMC, Pune
Are you or someone dear to you encountering challenges when it comes to swallowing? Dr. Vikrant Kale comprehends the obstacles associated with dysphagia and is fully committed to delivering Best Dysphagia Treatment in PCMC, Pune.
Dysphagia can arise from various factors such as neurological disorders, strokes, the aging process, or head and neck injuries. If left unattended, dysphagia can lead to severe health complications like malnourishment, pneumonia, and dehydration.
Throughout the previous year, our esteemed team at Kaizen Gastro Care has successfully treated over 100 patients afflicted with dysphagia, indicating a marked number of individuals grappling with this condition. Our highly skilled Gastroenterologist & Endoscopists, Dr. Vikrant Kale, and advanced laparoscopic surgeon Dr. Samrat Jankar specialize in the diagnosis and management of swallowing conditions. Our primary objective is to aid individuals with swallowing problems in reclaiming their ability to eat, drink, and communicate with confidence. Employing cutting-edge diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatment methodologies, we provide wide and personalized care to address the unique needs of each patient.
On this page, you will find valuable insights shared by Dysphagia Specialist in PCMC, Pune Dr. Vikrant Kale concerning the stages, causes, and available treatment options for dysphagia.
What is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia is a medical condition that causes it difficult to swallow either solid or liquid food. Individuals with dysphagia may need to exert more effort and take more time to move food from the mouth to the stomach. Dysphagia can affect individuals of all ages and may be caused by a variety of underlying factors, including neurological conditions, muscle weakness, structural abnormalities, or complications following surgery. It may or may not induce discomfort or pain.
Different Types of Dysphagia:
- Oropharyngeal dysphagia: This form of dysphagia occurs when there are issues with the movement of food or liquids from the mouth to the throat. It can be caused by neurological diseases like stroke or Parkinson’s disorder, as well as structural issues such as tumors or inflammation.
- Esophageal dysphagia: This type of dysphagia arises when there are difficulties in the movement of food or liquids through the esophagus. It can be triggered by conditions like acid reflux disease, strictures, or motility disorders.
- Esophagogastric dysphagia: This variant of dysphagia appears when there are complications with the movement of food or liquids from the esophagus to the stomach. It may occur due to diseases such as achalasia or a hiatal hernia.
- Paraesophageal dysphagia: This category of dysphagia develops when there are obstructions to the movement of food or liquids in the esophagus due to physical tie-ups such as tumors or foreign objects.
Symptoms of Dysphagia:
- Pain or discomfort while swallowing
- A feeling of suffocation during swallowing
- Frequent heartburn complaints
- Regurgitation of food or liquids
- Fatigue and unexplained weight loss
- Vomiting after eating or drinking
- Coughing while swallowing
- A feeling of a lump in the throat
- Excessive salivation (drooling)
- Recurrent respiratory infections
- Changes in voice or speech
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these dysphagia signs, don’t hesitate to contact us Dr. Vikrant Kale for the best possible dysphagia treatment in PCMC, Pune.
What can cause difficulty swallowing?
The trouble of swallowing can stem from different sources, leading to a condition known as dysphagia. Take a look at the prevalent causes behind dysphagia:
- Constriction of the esophagus: The esophagus may suffer from narrowing due to factors like scar tissue, inflammation, or cancer.
- Esophageal malignancies: The presence of tumors in the esophagus can block the passage of food.
- Esophageal bands or webs: Unnatural growths of thin tissue that partly hinder the esophagus.
- Zenker’s diverticulum: A pouch building on the esophagus wall, resulting in food accumulation and swallowing problems.
- Achalasia: When the lower esophageal sphincter fails to relax adequately, it evolves difficult to transport food to the stomach.
- Scleroderma: A condition affecting the connective tissues that lead to stiffness and tightening of the esophageal muscles.
- Stroke: Damage to the brain regions regulating swallowing can result in dysphagia.
- Parkinson’s disease: Damage of nerves responsible for muscle control can impact swallowing abilities.
- Impacted foreign objects: Big food particles or other items getting stuck in the esophagus.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Inflammation and narrowing of the esophagus induced by the reflux of stomach acid, leading to difficulty in swallowing.
- Muscle disorders: Weak or inadequate muscle function in the mouth, throat, or esophagus can make swallowing a challenge. Conditions like myasthenia gravis and specific muscular dystrophies contribute to dysphagia.
- Medications and therapies: Certain medicines can cause dry mouth or impact muscle function, which can contribute to difficulties in swallowing. Further, treatments such as radiation therapy or surgeries in the head, neck, or chest regions may result in temporary or endless swallowing difficulties.
- Causes in children: Dysphagia in children can appear due to factors such as prematurity, diseases of the nervous system, or congenital defects like cleft lip or cleft palate.
These factors can disrupt the normal swallowing function, leading to discomfort or pain while swallowing. Depending on the underlying cause, dysphagia can vary from mild to severe, requiring various treatment methods. If you are facing challenges in swallowing or experiencing related signs, it is crucial to seek the expertise of a dysphagia specialist in Pune, like Dr. Vikrant Kale.
How does Dr. Vikrant Kale Diagnose Dysphagia?
Dr. Vikrant Kale’s process for treating dysphagia starts with a thorough assessment and diagnosis. We utilize advanced diagnostic techniques and tools to evaluate the rigor and nature of your swallowing difficulty.
The diagnostic procedure may involve the following steps:
- Evaluation of medical background: Dr. Vikrant Kale will carefully review your signs and medical history, including any past medical conditions, surgeries, or medicines that could contribute to difficulties in swallowing.
- Physical examination: Dr. Vikrant Kale may conduct a physical examination of your mouth, throat, and neck to check for any abnormalities or symptoms of inflammation.
- Swallowing assessment: This assessment may include marking your ability to swallow various textures and consistencies of food and liquids. The gastroenterologist may use a stethoscope to listen for any abnormal sounds during swallowing.
- Imaging tests: Several imaging tests can provide exact images of the swallowing procedure and detect any structural abnormalities or jams. These tests may include:
- Barium swallow: You will be asked to swallow a liquid that holds barium, which coats the esophagus and allows for abnormalities to be detected through X-ray imaging.
- Videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS): During this test, you will swallow food or liquid mixed with barium while a radiologist records real-time X-ray videos to evaluate your swallowing function.
- Oesophageal manometry: This test is performed by Dr. Rupali Bandgar, an expert gastrophysiologist at Kaizen Gastro Care. It involves inserting a thin tube through your nose into the esophagus to measure the pressure and coordination of the muscles involved in swallowing. This test can confirm the diagnosis of dysphagia.
- Esophagoduodenoscopy (EGD) or upper endoscopy: A flexible tube equipped with a camera (endoscope) is inserted through your mouth or nose to visualize your throat, esophagus, and stomach. It can help determine any structural issues, inflammation, or abnormalities.
- Additional tests: Depending on the suspected causality of dysphagia, further tests may be advised, such as pH monitoring to evaluate acid reflux, electromyography (EMG) to evaluate the function of swallowing muscles, or CT/MRI scans to examine structural abnormalities.
The specific diagnostic technique will vary based on your symptoms, medical history, and the clinical judgment of the healthcare provider. It is essential to consult with an experienced gastroenterologist from Kaizen Gastro Care in Pune, Maharashtra, to obtain an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment for dysphagia.
Best Dysphagia Treatment in PCMC, Pune:
The Best Gastroenterologist in PCMC, Pune Dr. Vikrant Kale, offers exceptional treatment for dysphagia, focusing on comprehensive care. Our team comprises proficient gastroenterologists, dieticians, and a dedicated group of experts collaborating harmoniously to create personalized treatment regimens for every individual. Our primary objective is to enhance swallowing functionality, optimize nutritional intake, and promote overall well-being.
Treatment alternatives encompass:
- Tailored Nutritional Plans: Our honorable nutritionist, Dt. Bhushan Khedkar closely collaborates with the dysphagia treatment team to develop individualized dietary strategies that accommodate your swallowing capabilities and nutritional necessities. We offer expert guidance about texture modifications, food selections, and mealtime tactics, ensuring both safety and enjoyment during your dining experiences.
- Medicinal Approaches: Depending on the underlying cause of dysphagia, specific medications may be prescribed to manage signs or augment swallowing function. For example, proton pump inhibitors can effectively mitigate acid reflux, a contributing factor to swallowing challenges.
- Surgical Interventions: In certain instances, surgical procedures become imperative to rectify structural anomalies or eliminate obstructions such as tumors or growths obstructing the path of food.
- Nourishment via Feeding Tubes: In extreme dysphagia cases where oral intake is inadequate or poses risks, the utilization of feeding tubes may be recommended. By instantly delivering nutrition into the stomach or intestines, feeding tubes ensure adequate nourishment while minimizing the aspiration hazard.
- Esophageal Dilation: If dysphagia stems from an esophageal stricture (narrowing of the esophagus), a procedure called dilation can be performed. This method involves expanding the constricted area using a dilator or balloon, effectively addressing the issue.
Why choose us?
- Cutting-edge diagnosis and treatment: Kaizen Gastro Care offers a comprehensive array of investigative examinations and innovative therapies, many of which are not available at other specialized clinics in Pune that focus on esophageal disorders.
- Convenient Location: Situated in the prime area of Wakad, Pune, Kaizen Gastro Care Clinic enjoys a strategic location in the heart of the city. Available by various modes of public transportation, patients can easily reach the clinic without any hassle.
- State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: Our Pune-based Dysphagia Treatment Center is furnished with advanced diagnostic and therapeutic tools to ensure precise evaluations and effective interventions.
- Exclusive Esophageal Center: By choosing our reliable esophageal center, you gain access to a team of specialists who possess extensive expertise in esophageal diseases and motility conditions like achalasia. We prioritize prompt diagnostic tests and collaborate to provide you with the optimal treatment for your precise type of achalasia.
- Minimally invasive approaches: Our trained professionals employ minimally invasive methods to both diagnose and treat achalasia, offering effective management and prevention of your signs.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: Equipped with cutting-edge facilities and the latest advancements in technology, our center provides that you receive the most up-to-date and efficacious treatment choices for dysphagia.
- Proven Track Record: Kaizen Gastro Care boasts a great history of successful outcomes in treating patients with dysphagia. Our center has achieved a high rate of long-term relief from symptoms, significantly enhancing the quality of life for individuals suffering from dysphagia.
- Empathetic Care and Continuous Support: At Kaizen Gastro Care, we not only prioritize your physical well-being but also provide emotional support throughout your dysphagia treatment journey. Our compassionate team is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where you can freely express your concerns and seek answers to your queries. We firmly believe that education and ongoing support are crucial for achieving favorable treatment results. Our experts will guide you on appropriate swallowing techniques, modifications to your lifestyle, and strategies to maintain progress beyond therapy sessions.
How to Book An Appointment:
Dr. Vikrant Kale at Kaizen Gastro Care Clinic provides the best treatment for various stomach diseases in Pimpri Chinchwad Pune. For more information about our comprehensive treatment options, or to request an appointment with the best Gastroenterologist in Pune call 09763635252 / 07558423708 or Click on Book Appointment for online booking with your near hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):
The last stage of dysphagia is typically referred to as stage 4 or severe dysphagia, which is when food or liquid enters the airway and lungs instead of going down the esophagus and into the stomach. This can be a serious medical issue and requires immediate attention.
Yes, dysphagia can be harmful. It refers to difficulty or discomfort in swallowing, which can lead to various complications such as malnutrition, dehydration, weight loss, choking, and aspiration pneumonia.
It depends on the underlying cause of dysphagia. Some cases can be treated and resolved, while others may require ongoing management.
No, dysphagia itself is not cancerous. It is a symptom characterized by difficulty in swallowing, which may be caused by a variety of conditions including cancer.
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About Dr. Vikrant Kale
Dr. Vikrant Kale is the best gastroenterologist in PCMC Pune and trained in Gastroenterology and advanced endoscopy in UK & Ireland.
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