Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): Why Esophageal Manometry is the Next Step?
Do you feel food sticking in your throat or chest when you swallow? Difficulty swallowing, known medically as dysphagia, can affect your daily life, nutrition, and overall health. Many people ignore these symptoms, thinking they’ll resolve on their own. At Kaizen Gastro Care, Dr. Rupali Jankar helps patients in Pune identify the cause of their swallowing difficulties and recommends Esophageal Manometry as the next step when needed.
Understanding Dysphagia:
Dysphagia is a condition where swallowing is difficult or uncomfortable. It can occur at any age but is more common in adults over 50. There are two main types:
Oropharyngeal dysphagia
Difficulty starting a swallow due to throat or mouth issues.
Esophageal dysphagia
Difficulty passing food down the esophagus, where it may feel stuck.
Common causes include:
- Acid reflux or GERD
- Esophageal motility disorders
- Narrowing or strictures of the esophagus
- Neurological conditions affecting swallowing
Symptoms to watch for: pain while swallowing, choking, regurgitation, sensation of food sticking, or unexplained weight loss.
Why Identifying the Cause Matters?
Proper diagnosis is crucial. Untreated dysphagia can lead to:
- Malnutrition and weight loss
- Aspiration into the lungs, causing respiratory infections
- Chronic discomfort and reduced quality of life
This is why accurate testing is essential before starting treatment
What is Esophageal Manometry?
Esophageal Manometry is a test that measures the muscle contractions of your esophagus and evaluates how well the esophageal sphincters (valves) are functioning.
It helps detect motility disorders such as:
- Achalasia (failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax)
- Esophageal spasms
- Weak or uncoordinated peristalsis (swallowing contractions)
With these insights, Dr. Rupali Jankar at Kaizen Gastro Care can recommend targeted treatments that address the root cause of dysphagia.
When is Esophageal Manometry Recommended?
The Esophageal Manometry test in Pune is usually suggested if:
- Swallowing difficulties persist with no clear cause on endoscopy
- A motility disorder is suspected
- Previous tests like barium swallow or routine endoscopy were inconclusive
This test complements other investigations and ensures a clear understanding of esophageal function.
What to Expect During the Procedure?
The procedure is safe, minimally uncomfortable, and usually done as an outpatient test:
- Preparation: Fasting before the test
- Catheter insertion: A thin tube is gently passed through the nose into the esophagus
- Measurements: Muscle contractions are recorded while you swallow small amounts of water
- Duration: Usually 20–30 minutes with minimal discomfort
Esophageal Manometry is safe and has a very low risk of complications.
Benefits of Esophageal Manometry:
- Provides accurate diagnosis of motility disorders
- Guides targeted treatment, improving outcomes
- Avoids unnecessary procedures or medications
- Enables doctors to recommend tailored lifestyle changes and therapies
With the expertise of Dr. Rupali Jankar, patients in Pune can feel confident about identifying and managing the cause of their dysphagia.
Choosing the Right Specialist and Center:
It’s important to consult an experienced gastroenterologist for Dysphagia Treatment in Pune. Patients should ask:
- How experienced is the doctor with esophageal motility tests?
- What will the results reveal about my swallowing problem?
- What treatment options are available based on the findings?
Specialized centers like Kaizen Gastro Care ensure accurate testing, expert interpretation, and personalized care.
Final Insight:
Difficulty swallowing is common but should never be ignored. Esophageal Manometry is often the next step to accurately diagnose the cause and guide effective treatment.
If you experience persistent dysphagia, consult Dr. Rupali Jankar at Kaizen Gastro Care in Pune to take the first step toward safe and comfortable swallowing.
Don’t let difficulty swallowing affect your life!
Book a consultation with Dr. Rupali Jankar at Kaizen Gastro Care, Pune, and schedule your
Esophageal Manometry test to uncover the cause of your dysphagia.
Book Appointment or book an online consultation today!