Expert Care for Swallowing Disorders in Birmingham, AL
Swallowing disorders can make simple moments like sharing a meal or taking a sip of water uncomfortable and frustrating. Known as dysphagia, this condition can cause food or liquid to become stuck in your throat, lead to frequent coughing, or make every bite seem uncertain.
Serving patients throughout Birmingham, ExcelENT of Alabama provides expert, compassionate care for those experiencing swallowing difficulties. We’ll uncover the root cause of your symptoms and create a treatment plan that fits your needs.
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What Is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. It can affect people of any age, but is more common in adults and is often connected to other health conditions. Many people describe it as a feeling that food or liquid gets “stuck” in the throat or chest. Others may notice coughing, choking, or even pain when trying to swallow.
To better understand why dysphagia happens, it helps to first look at how the swallowing process works:
Common Symptoms of Dysphagia
Swallowing problems can show up in different ways depending on the cause, but most people notice one or more of the following symptoms:
What Causes Swallowing Disorders?
There are many potential causes of dysphagia. Some of the most common include:
- Muscle weakness or nerve problems in the throat or esophagus
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux
- Tonsil, thyroid, or throat disorders
- Scar tissue or narrowing of the esophagus
- Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or stroke
Because swallowing involves several different parts of the body, it’s not always clear which type of doctor to see first. Many patients aren’t sure whether their symptoms are related to the throat or the digestive system. Our blog, When Should You See an ENT vs. an Upper GI Doctor for Swallowing Problems?, explains the difference between the two specialties and why seeing an ENT is often the best place to start.
How Is Dysphagia Treated at ExcelENT?
Treatment for dysphagia begins with understanding what’s causing it. At ExcelENT, Dr. Christopher Davis takes the time to listen to your symptoms, perform a detailed exam, and use advanced tools such as laryngoscopy or swallowing studies to see exactly how your throat and esophagus are working.
Once we identify the source of the problem, your treatment plan may include:
- Diet and lifestyle adjustments to ease irritation or reflux
- Medication to reduce inflammation or manage acid reflux
- Swallowing therapy with skilled speech-language pathologists to strengthen and retrain the swallowing muscles
- Minimally invasive procedures like Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) to closely examine how food and liquid move through the throat and identify any areas of weakness, blockage, or aspiration risk
For many patients, addressing related conditions like reflux, allergies, or sinus issues can make a big difference, too.
Swallowing Disorders FAQs
Dysphagia isn’t always serious, but it should never be ignored. Difficulty swallowing can increase your risk of choking, aspiration, or malnutrition if left untreated. The good news is that most swallowing disorders can be managed effectively with proper diagnosis and treatment.
You don’t need a referral to schedule an appointment with our team. Many patients come to us directly when they notice trouble swallowing or ongoing throat discomfort. However, some insurance plans may require a referral from your primary care provider, so it’s always a good idea to double-check your policy before your visit.
Your first visit focuses on understanding your symptoms and medical history in detail. Dr. Davis will perform a gentle examination of your throat and may recommend simple, in-office tests to get a clearer picture of how you’re swallowing. Most patients leave this appointment with an initial diagnosis and a plan for next steps, whether that’s medication, imaging, or therapy.
Sometimes mild swallowing issues caused by temporary irritation or illness can improve with rest and hydration. But if your symptoms continue or worsen over time, it’s important to be evaluated by an ENT. Persistent swallowing issues can increase the risk of aspiration (food or liquid entering the airway) and may be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
Before your appointment, try to make note of when your symptoms occur and what foods or drinks seem to trigger them. Bringing a list of your medications and any previous test results can also be helpful. Most importantly, come prepared to talk openly about your symptoms. Every detail helps us tailor your care and get you feeling better as quickly as possible.