Best Doctors For Difficulty Swallowing Treatment In Mumbai
Difficulty in swallowing
If every bite feels stuck halfway or water goes down the “wrong pipe,” it’s a sign your body is asking for attention. Nearly 1 in 10 adults in India report some form of dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing), yet most delay evaluation until the condition worsens.
For those facing persistent throat tightness, coughing while eating, or frequent food regurgitation, Dr. Shama S Kovale, one of the best voice and swallowing specialist doctors in Mumbai, offers diagnostic clarity and long-term relief using advanced ENT technology and patient-first care.
More Than Just a Sore Throat
Swallowing difficulties can feel like:
- A lump in the throat
- Choking while eating or drinking
- Needing extra effort to push food down
- Recurring cough or throat clearing during meals
- Taking a long time to finish food, or an increase in meal time
- Needing water to finish the food after each bite
These aren’t just age-related changes or stress responses. These could be signs of conditions ranging from acid reflux, neurological issues, spasms, to vocal fold disorders or structural narrowing of the throat. Early laryngology attention can prevent complications.
What Could Be Causing It?
There’s no one-size-fits-all reason for dysphagia. It could be:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or LPR Laryngopharyngeal reflux Neuromuscular weakness or post-stroke changes
- Vocal fold dysfunction or paralysis
- Post Radiation for head and neck cancers
Radiation can stiffen tissues and reduce saliva production, both of which contribute to painful or restricted swallowing.
- Cricopharyngeal spasm (tightness in the upper food pipe)
- RCPD Retrograde cricopharyngeal dysphagia
- Benign or malignant lesions in the throat or larynx
A personalized treatment plan starts with an accurate diagnosis—especially when the issue affects your daily meals, speech, or confidence.
When Should You Be Concerned?
If you’re adjusting your meals to avoid discomfort or choking during meals, and it becomes routine, it’s time to consult a specialist. Seek help if you have:
- Repeated coughing fits while eating or drinking
- Food sticking in the chest or the back of the throat
- Voice changes after swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
Delaying care may lead to aspiration pneumonia, nutritional deficiencies, or avoidable surgeries.
Diagnostics Have Evolved—No Guesswork, Just Clarity
At Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Dysphagia care is driven by precision. With the expertise of Dr. Shama S Kovale, patients undergo:
- Videolaryngoscopy – To examine vocal cord and throat function
- FEES (Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) – A dynamic swallow test done while you’re awake
- Videofluroscopic evaluation of swallowing
- In-clinic diagnostic injections or scope-guided biopsies
These procedures are quick, often outpatient, and give detailed insights into what’s going wrong—and how to fix it. - Botox injections for cricopharyngeal spasms or RCPD
Can It Be Treated Without Surgery?
Yes, many swallowing disorders improve without surgery. Treatment may include:
✔️ Voice and swallow therapy with structured exercises
✔️ Dietary changes like thickened liquids or soft foods
✔️ Botox injections to relax spasming muscles
✔️ Anti-reflux medications for LPR-related symptoms
✔️ Minimally invasive procedures only when structural issues are confirmed
That’s why ENT-led care matters. If you’re considering Voice and swallowing treatment in Mumbai, choose a team that prioritizes function, safety, and long-term results.
Dr. Shama S Kovale – More Than Just an ENT Specialist, specialised Voice and Swallowing specialist
What sets Dr. Shama S Kovale apart isn’t just her 23+ years of surgical experience—it’s her ability to hear what the throat isn’t saying.
- She combines international training in voice and swallowing (UC Davis, USA) with clinical expertise from India.
- Her practice at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital offers precise diagnosis using fiberoptic scopes, EMG, and outpatient therapy.
- From high-performance voice users to elderly patients struggling with swallowing, her approach is always patient-first and minimally invasive.
If you’re searching for the Best Doctors For Difficulty Swallowing Treatment In Mumbai, her name consistently ranks among the most trusted for a reason.
Patient Perspectives: Life After Treatment
“I was struggling with choking episodes for months. Dr. Shama S Kovale diagnosed it as a throat muscle issue and treated it with a simple outpatient procedure. I’m eating comfortably again.”
– Renu M., Retired Teacher
“My swallowing issue was affecting my speech at work. Dr. Kovale’s evaluation was spot-on. Her therapy plan helped me regain confidence within weeks.”
– Sahil T., Corporate Trainer
“Swallowing was painful and scary. I was afraid of surgery, but she treated it without one. Her care changed my daily life.”
– Ashwin P., Diabetic Patient
FAQs
Is difficulty swallowing always caused by a throat issue?
Not always. Sometimes it’s neurological or due to the esophagus. ENT evaluation helps pinpoint the source accurately.
Can reflux silently damage my swallowing muscles?
Not really. LPR often causes chronic irritation without heartburn, silently affecting throat function and vocal cords.
Is surgery the only solution?
No. Most cases are managed through therapy, medication, or outpatient procedures such as Botox. Surgery is rare and is performed when necessary.
How long does it take to see improvement?
Depending on the cause of dysphagia, it is a complex condition to treat and requires excellent knowledge and patience. Many patients notice changes in 2–4 weeks with proper therapy or medications. Timely diagnosis is key.
Who should I consult in Mumbai for swallowing problems?
Dr. Shama S. Kovale, a senior ENT Surgeon and Voice and swallowing specialist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, is renowned for handling complex swallowing disorders with precision and care.
If every meal feels forced, every gulp uncertain—it’s time to get your throat evaluated. Dr. Shama S. Kovale offers advanced, minimally invasive care backed by years of specialized training in voice and swallowing disorders. With accurate diagnosis and compassionate follow-up care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, she continues to be one of the Best Doctors for Difficulty Swallowing Treatment in Mumbai. Speak, eat, and live comfortably—starting today.
