Swallowing is something we rarely think about, until even a simple mouth ulcer reminds us how important it is to eat and drink comfortably. But true swallowing disorders are far more complex. Swallowing involves a precisely coordinated sequence of movements, and when any part of this process is affected, eating and drinking can become difficult, unsafe or even dangerous.
At Shri VAS Clinic, we focus on understanding exactly where the swallowing problem lies, why it is happening, and whether the swallow is safe or unsafe, so that treatment can be directed at the actual cause rather than simply managing the symptoms.
Conditions We Treat
We evaluate and manage:
- Difficulty swallowing food, liquids or saliva
- Oropharyngeal dysphagia
- Pediatric dysphagia and feeding difficulties
- Coughing, choking or repeated throat clearing during meals
- Aspiration and swallowing-related breathing problems
- Food or liquid getting stuck in the throat
- Swallowing difficulties following stroke
- Neurological swallowing disorders, including those associated with Parkinson’s disease, Myasthenia Gravis and Motor Neuron Disease
- Swallowing problems following head and neck surgery or cancer treatment
- Age-related swallowing difficulties
- Complex feeding and swallowing disorders requiring specialised rehabilitation
Advanced Swallowing Assessment
Accurate treatment begins with finding exactly where the swallowing process is going wrong. Our assessment may include Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), also known as swallowing endoscopy, and Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS).
Swallowing endoscopy allows us to directly observe the throat during swallowing and identify residue, penetration, aspiration and other abnormalities that may make swallowing unsafe.
Videofluoroscopy provides a dynamic X-ray view of the swallowing process. By following contrast given orally from the mouth through the throat and oesophagus until it reaches the stomach, we can assess the entire swallowing sequence and quantify how effectively and safely each stage is functioning.
Together, these assessments help us determine whether a swallow is safe or unsafe, identify exactly where the problem lies, and guide the most appropriate targeted treatment.
Targeted Treatment. Tailored to Every Patient.
There is no blanket treatment for swallowing disorders. Every treatment plan is tailor-made to the individual, based on where the problem lies and what is causing it.
Management may include targeted swallowing therapy, dietary modification, compensatory strategies, VitalStim therapy, Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, other interventional procedures and surgery when required.
The focus is simple: find the problem, understand why it is happening, and treat that problem specifically, rather than treating every swallowing disorder in the same way.
Swallow Safely. Live Fully.
Common questions
Which clinic in Chennai treats swallowing problems?
Shri VAS Clinic & Voice Gym runs a dedicated swallowing clinic at Mylapore and Anna Nagar West, using Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) and videofluoroscopy to find exactly where a swallow is failing.
How do you tell whether a swallow is safe?
By watching it directly. Swallowing endoscopy shows residue, penetration and aspiration in the throat, and videofluoroscopy follows contrast from the mouth to the stomach. Together they show whether food is entering the airway.
My relative has had a feeding tube for months. Can it come out?
Often, yes. Tube removal depends on what the swallow is actually doing, which is why we assess before deciding. Patients with long-standing tubes are a particular focus of this clinic.