Expert Swallowing Clinic in Chennai

Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing. It can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening aspiration pneumonia. Serious complications include malnutrition, dehydration, and recurrent lung infections from aspiration. Early evaluation and treatment are important to prevent these complications.

FEES uses a flexible camera to view swallowing from inside the throat - no radiation, can be done at bedside, and shows actual swallowing in real-time. Videofluoroscopy is an X-ray study showing the entire swallowing process from mouth to stomach. Both are valuable; choice depends on individual patient needs and clinical question.

Many patients improve significantly with therapy and can return to normal or near-normal diet. Success depends on underlying cause, severity, and ability to participate in therapy. Post-stroke patients often see substantial improvement. Some conditions may require long-term diet modifications for safety. Realistic goals are set based on individual assessment.

Feeding tubes are recommended when oral intake is unsafe or inadequate for nutrition. They may be temporary (NG tube) or long-term (PEG tube). The goal is always to work toward safe oral feeding when possible. Many patients with feeding tubes can still eat small amounts by mouth while maintaining adequate nutrition through the tube.

Response to therapy varies by condition. Post-stroke patients may see improvement in weeks to months. Progressive neurological conditions require ongoing management. Most patients notice some improvement within 4-8 weeks of consistent therapy. Compliance with exercises and strategies is crucial for success.

Aspiration is when food, liquid, or saliva enters the airway instead of the esophagus. It can cause choking, coughing, and recurrent pneumonia. "Silent aspiration" occurs without coughing and is particularly dangerous. FEES or videofluoroscopy can detect aspiration, and therapy focuses on preventing it.

Some swallowing problems have surgical solutions - Zenker's diverticulum repair, cricopharyngeal myotomy for CP dysfunction, or dilation for strictures. However, most dysphagia requires therapy-based management. Surgery is considered when structural abnormality is identified or when therapy alone is insufficient.

Post-radiation dysphagia is challenging but treatable. Dr. Vidhyadharan has extensive experience with post-cancer treatment swallowing problems. Treatment includes aggressive swallowing therapy, dilation of strictures if needed, and nutritional support. Early intervention is important. Many patients achieve functional swallowing with comprehensive rehabilitation.

Post-stroke dysphagia occurs in 40-70% of stroke patients due to weakness or incoordination of swallowing muscles. Treatment includes comprehensive swallowing evaluation with FEES, modified diet textures (pureed, soft), swallowing exercises, compensatory strategies (chin tuck, head turn), and close monitoring for aspiration. Many stroke patients show significant improvement with intensive therapy in the first 3-6 months.

Cricopharyngeal dysfunction occurs when the upper esophageal sphincter (cricopharyngeus muscle) fails to relax properly during swallowing, causing food to stick in the throat. Treatment options include swallowing therapy, botox injection into the muscle, or cricopharyngeal myotomy (surgical division of the muscle). Dr. Vidhyadharan will determine the best approach based on severity and underlying cause.

Costs vary depending on the type of evaluation needed (FEES vs. videofluoroscopy), number of therapy sessions required, need for surgical intervention, and individual patient complexity. THANC Hospital and Dr. Vidhyadharan provide comprehensive swallowing disorder management with state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities at economical costs. Our team will provide detailed cost estimates based on your specific condition during consultation.

Diet modifications depend on swallowing assessment findings. Common modifications include thickened liquids (nectar, honey, pudding consistency) to slow flow and reduce aspiration risk, pureed or soft foods for chewing difficulties, moist foods to ease passage, avoiding mixed consistencies (soup with chunks), and small bite sizes. A speech therapist and nutritionist work together to ensure safe nutrition while maintaining adequate calories.