Best Doctors For Difficulty Swallowing Treatment In Mumbai is a phrase that many patients search when facing the distressing symptoms of dysphagia. If every bite feels like a struggle or you often cough when swallowing liquids, seeking expert care becomes crucial.
Understanding Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)
Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, is not just a minor annoyance—it can lead to serious complications such as malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration pneumonia, and weight loss. Early and accurate diagnosis by specialists ensures safe and effective treatment. Patients often delay evaluation, thinking it’s “just aging” or “just throat soreness,” but that can be dangerous.
Swallowing difficulties may present as:
- A feeling of food getting stuck in the throat
- Coughing or choking while eating or drinking
- Needing to take multiple sips of water per bite
- Delayed time to finish meals
- Voice change or “wet” sound after swallowing
- Unintended weight loss
Given these troubling symptoms, it’s important to look for best doctors for difficulty swallowing treatment in Mumbai.
Dr. Shama Kovale – A Leading Voice & Swallowing Specialist
Dr. Shama Kovale serves as a consultant ENT surgeon specializing in voice and swallowing disorders at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai. With over two decades of experience and advanced training in laryngology, she is widely regarded as one of the best doctors for difficulty swallowing treatment in Mumbai.
Her qualifications include MS (ENT) and DORL, with fellowships in phonosurgery and voice/swallowing. She combines state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and minimally invasive therapy with compassionate patient care.
What sets her apart:
- A focused Voice & Swallowing Clinic at Kokilaben with a multidisciplinary team
- Expertise in outpatient diagnostics like videolaryngoscopy, FEES, and dynamic swallow evaluations
- Use of non-surgical therapies like Botox injections for cricopharyngeal spasm and targeted voice/swallow therapy
- Balanced approach: recommending surgery only when absolutely necessary
Because of her track record and patient-first approach, many consider her among the top choices when searching best doctors for difficulty swallowing treatment in Mumbai.
Diagnostic Approach
A robust diagnosis is the bedrock of effective swallowing disorder treatment. In Dr. Shama Kovale clinic, patients may receive:
- Videolaryngoscopy / Microlaryngoscopy to inspect vocal cords and throat anatomy
- FEES (Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) to see swallowing in real time
- Videofluoroscopic swallow study (modified barium swallow)
- Scope-guided biopsies or injection diagnostics if structural lesions are suspected
- EMG for neuromuscular evaluation in select cases
These tests allow the specialist to differentiate between neuromuscular, mechanical, reflux-related, or structural causes of difficulty swallowing.
Treatment Modalities Offered
Not all treatments require surgery. Many patients respond beautifully to:
- Voice and swallowing therapy (exercises, diet modifications, posture training)
- Anti-reflux / acid suppression medications in case of LPR or GERD
- Botox injections into spastic cricopharyngeal muscle or other involved muscles
- Minimal procedures (e.g., dilation) when narrowing is detected
- Surgery in advanced cases where structural correction is vital
Dr. Kovale’s philosophy emphasizes restoring function while minimizing risk.
FAQs
Q1: What exactly causes difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)?
A: Dysphagia can result from neurological disorders (e.g. stroke, ALS), reflux (LPR/GERD), muscle spasms (cricopharyngeal spasm), structural narrowing (strictures, tumors), vocal cord paralysis, or post-radiation changes among others.
Q2: When should I consult a specialist for difficulty swallowing?
A: If you frequently cough when eating, feel food stuck, lose weight unintentionally, or have difficulty with both liquids and solids—seek evaluation without delay.
Q3: Is surgery always required to treat swallowing difficulty?
A: No. Many cases respond well to non-surgical approaches such as therapy, medications, Botox, or minimally invasive procedures. Surgery is a last resort.
Q4: How long till I see improvement after starting therapy?
A: Many patients notice gradual improvement within 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the underlying cause and adherence to therapy.
Q5: How can I find a reputable swallowing specialist in Mumbai?
A: Look for ENT / laryngology doctors with experience in voice and swallowing disorders. When searching best doctors for difficulty swallowing treatment in Mumbai, Dr. Shama Kovale’s name often features among the most trusted.
Your Path to Better Health Starts Here!
Ready to schedule your consultation with Dr. Shama Kovale? We’re here to help.
Book Your Appointment: Call us directly at +91 9820950769
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Find Our Clinic: Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital 2nd Floor, ENT Department, Four Bungalows, Andheri West, Mumbai – 400053
