Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) can significantly affect daily life, turning simple acts like eating or drinking into painful experiences. Many people with persistent throat discomfort or the feeling of food getting stuck may not realize these symptoms could be linked to underlying ear, nose, and throat disorders needing specialized care.

At Kaplan Sinus Relief in Houston, Dr. Michael Kaplan specializes in diagnosing and treating swallowing disorders with a comprehensive, root-cause approach. As an experienced ENT, he often finds sinus or allergy issues at the core of these problems. Our practice offers advanced treatments like balloon sinuplasty and allergy testing to relieve these symptoms and improve swallowing for the long term.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kaplan today to receive a personalized evaluation and treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. With proper diagnosis and expert care, you can experience significant improvement in your ability to swallow comfortably and enjoy meals without pain or anxiety.

When should you be worried about trouble swallowing?

Occasional difficulty swallowing a particularly large bite of food or experiencing momentary throat discomfort happens to everyone. However, persistent or worsening swallowing problems may indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention.

You should consider seeking professional evaluation if you experience any of these difficulty swallowing symptoms:

• Persistent sensation of food being stuck in your throat or chest
• Pain while swallowing that doesn’t improve over time
• Recurring heartburn or acid reflux that affects your ability to swallow
• Unexplained weight loss due to avoiding eating because of swallowing difficulties
• Frequent coughing or choking when consuming food or beverages
• Voice changes occurring alongside swallowing problems
• Regurgitation of food soon after eating
• Progressive worsening of symptoms over time

These symptoms may indicate various conditions, from inflammation and allergies to more complex structural issues that an ENT specialist can properly diagnose. Importantly, many swallowing difficulties stem from sinus conditions or allergic responses that aren’t immediately obvious to patients but can be identified by specialists like Dr. Kaplan.

Which conditions may cause difficulty swallowing?

Swallowing difficulties can stem from various medical conditions affecting the mouth, throat, esophagus, and surrounding structures. Understanding these potential causes can help explain your symptoms and guide effective treatment approaches. Dr. Kaplan specializes in identifying and treating many of these conditions, particularly those related to ear, nose, and throat health.

Sinus and Allergy-Related Causes:

• Chronic Sinusitis: Persistent inflammation of the sinuses can lead to postnasal drip, which may irritate the throat and create swallowing discomfort. This excessive mucus can also trigger the sensation of something being stuck in your throat.
• Allergic Reactions: Environmental or food allergies can cause inflammation in the throat and esophagus, making swallowing painful or difficult. Allergic responses may also lead to increased mucus production that interferes with normal swallowing function.
• Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR): Often called “silent reflux,” this condition occurs when stomach acid flows back into the throat, causing irritation and inflammation that can make swallowing uncomfortable.

Structural and Neurological Causes:

• Esophageal Stricture: Narrowing of the esophagus due to scarring or inflammation can physically restrict food passage, causing difficulty swallowing solid foods in particular.
• Zenker’s Diverticulum: A pouch that forms in the throat can trap food particles and cause swallowing problems, regurgitation, and bad breath.
• Neurological Disorders: Conditions affecting the nerves and muscles involved in swallowing, such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis, can impair coordination of the swallowing process.

Other Common Causes:

• Tonsillitis and Throat Infections: Inflamed tonsils or throat infections can make swallowing painful and difficult until the infection resolves.
• GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease): Chronic acid reflux can damage the esophageal lining, leading to inflammation and potential scarring that affects swallowing.
• Dysphagia Following Surgery: Some patients experience temporary swallowing difficulties after procedures involving the head, neck, or chest.

For many patients, addressing sinus issues and allergies through treatments like balloon sinuplasty and allergy management can significantly improve swallowing function, even when patients didn’t initially connect their swallowing difficulties to these conditions.

How do you treat dysphagia?

Dysphagia treatment is most effective when it targets the specific underlying causes rather than just managing symptoms. Dr. Kaplan’s specialized approach considers the interconnected nature of your ear, nose, throat, and sinus health to provide comprehensive solutions that offer lasting relief from swallowing difficulties.

Managing dysphagia at home

For mild swallowing problems, certain lifestyle modifications can provide relief while you seek professional care. These strategies include: 

• Adjusting your eating position (sitting upright at a 90-degree angle)
• Taking smaller bites
• Chewing thoroughly
• Avoiding talking while eating
• Staying hydrated

Thickening liquids may help if thin liquids cause choking, while soft or pureed foods can be easier to swallow for some patients. However, these techniques should complement, not replace, professional swallowing problems treatment. Home management works best when implemented alongside medical interventions addressing the underlying condition.

Balloon sinuplasty

Balloon sinuplasty has emerged as an effective treatment option for patients whose swallowing difficulties stem from chronic sinusitis or sinus-related issues. This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a small balloon catheter into blocked sinus passages, then inflating it to restructure and widen the sinus openings. By restoring proper sinus drainage, balloon sinuplasty reduces inflammation and postnasal drip that can interfere with normal swallowing function. 

Many patients experience significant improvement in their swallowing capabilities following this procedure, as it addresses a root cause often overlooked in traditional dysphagia treatment approaches. Dr. Kaplan specializes in this procedure and has helped numerous patients find relief from both their sinus symptoms and related swallowing difficulties.

Allergy testing

Undiagnosed allergies frequently contribute to swallowing problems, particularly when they cause throat inflammation or excessive mucus production. Comprehensive allergy testing helps identify specific triggers that may be exacerbating your dysphagia symptoms. 

Dr. Kaplan offers advanced allergy testing methodologies to pinpoint environmental, food, and other allergens affecting your throat and sinus health. Once these triggers are identified, targeted treatment plans can be developed, including avoidance strategies, medication, or immunotherapy, to reduce allergic reactions and their impact on swallowing function. Many patients are surprised to discover that addressing previously unidentified allergies dramatically improves their ability to swallow comfortably.

Begin your path to swallowing relief with specialized care from Kaplan Sinus Relief

Living with swallowing difficulties doesn’t have to be your new normal. At Kaplan Sinus Relief in Houston, we understand how dysphagia can affect every aspect of your life, from mealtime enjoyment to overall nutrition and health. Dr. Kaplan’s specialized approach to the evaluation and treatment of swallowing disorders addresses not just the symptoms you experience, but the underlying sinus and allergy issues that may be contributing to your condition.

Our comprehensive care includes advanced diagnostic techniques, minimally invasive procedures like balloon sinuplasty, and personalized treatment plans designed to provide lasting relief. By focusing on the root causes of your swallowing difficulties, we offer solutions that go beyond temporary symptom management.

Don’t allow swallowing problems to diminish your quality of life any longer. Contact our Houston office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kaplan and take the first meaningful step toward comfortable, pain-free swallowing.