Swallowing Disorders Treatment in Bahrain
Gastroenterology
Swallowing is usually effortless and something most people rarely think about. If food feels stuck, liquids go down the wrong way, or swallowing becomes painful or uncomfortable, it is worth seeking medical advice. At King’s College Hospital London, Dubai Bahrain Clinic, patients can access specialist gastroenterology care for Swallowing Disorders Treatment in Bahrain, supported by the wider King’s digestive health team.
Swallowing problems can make it hard to eat, drink, maintain weight, sleep well, or feel confident. Some causes are easy to treat. Others, like achalasia, reflux-related narrowing, esophageal spasm, neurological conditions, or inflammation, may need more tests and specialist care.
What are swallowing disorders?
Swallowing disorders occur when food, drink, or saliva does not move smoothly from your mouth to your stomach. You might feel like food is stuck in your throat or chest, have pain when swallowing, cough during meals, choke, regurgitate, or need more time to eat.
Two common terms are:
- Dysphagia: difficulty swallowing
- Odynophagia: pain when swallowing
Swallowing problems can affect people of any age, but they are more common in older adults. Do not ignore these symptoms, especially if they are new, getting worse, or causing weight loss.
Although swallowing disorders can affect people of any age, they become more common with advancing age. Persistent or worsening symptoms, particularly when accompanied by weight loss, should always be assessed.
What does treatment for swallowing disorders involve?
Care begins by finding out what happens when you swallow. The team will ask when your symptoms started, if they occur with solids, liquids, or both, and if you also have reflux, chest discomfort, coughing, vomiting, or weight loss.
Next, you may need tests like an upper endoscopy, barium swallow imaging, reflux testing, or other checks of your esophagus. Swallowing Disorders Treatment in Bahrain is tailored to the underlying cause and may involve medication for reflux or inflammation, endoscopic treatment, esophageal dilation, swallowing therapy, nutritional support, or advanced procedures such as POEM for achalasia. Patients requiring Dysphagia Treatment in Bahrain receive an individualized treatment plan based on their diagnosis and symptoms.
When should you see us?
Book a check-up if your swallowing has changed and is not improving. This is especially important if you have:
- Food sticking in the throat or chest
- Pain when swallowing
- Coughing, choking, or gagging during meals
- Regurgitation of food or liquid
- Reflux with swallowing difficulty
- Unexplained weight loss
- Repeated chest discomfort after eating
- A known condition such as achalasia, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or previous head and neck treatment
Get urgent medical help if you cannot swallow, are drooling, have trouble breathing, or feel like food is completely stuck.
What conditions do we treat and what services do we offer?
At King’s Bahrain Clinic, patients can come in for swallowing symptoms such as:
- Food sticking after you swallow
- Trouble getting solids or liquids down
- Pain when swallowing
- Coughing, choking, or clearing the throat during meals
- Food or liquid coming back up
- Ongoing reflux with swallowing discomfort
- A feeling that swallowing has become slower, harder, or uncomfortable
- Weight loss or reduced eating because swallowing has become difficult
- Achalasia or another suspected problem with how the esophagus moves
Care may include a gastroenterology review, treatment for reflux or inflammation, planning for tests such as endoscopy or a barium swallow, and further assessment if a motility problem is suspected. Our approach to Dysphagia Treatment in Bahrain focuses on identifying the cause and recommending the most appropriate treatment for long-term symptom relief.
Who are the best doctors for swallowing disorders in Bahrain?
The best doctors for swallowing disorders in Bahrain are Dr. Farooq Khan and Dr. Lisa Sharkey.
Dr. Farooq Khan is a Consultant Hepatologist, Gastroenterologist and Interventional Endoscopist at Dubai Hills Hospital.
Dr. Lisa Sharkey is a Consultant in Gastroenterology and Director of Education at Dubai Hills Hospital and Dubai Marina Clinic.
Why choose King’s College Hospital Dubai Bahrain Clinic?
King’s Bahrain Clinic connects you to gastroenterology care and the wider digestive health network at King’s College Hospital Dubai. This is important for swallowing disorders because symptoms can come from the throat, esophagus, stomach, reflux, nerves, muscles, or nutrition issues. Our team can find the cause, explain the results clearly, and choose the right treatment for you. Patients seeking Swallowing disorders treatment in Bahrain benefit from a thorough assessment, clear explanation of their diagnosis, and a treatment plan tailored to their individual needs.
How can I book an appointment?
To book an appointment at King’s Bahrain Clinic, call us, or fill out the online form.
FAQs
King’s College Hospital London, Dubai Bahrain Clinic is the best clinic for swallowing disorders in Bahrain, with access to gastroenterology specialists and the wider King’s College Hospital Dubai digestive care network.
The best doctors for swallowing disorders in Bahrain are Dr. Farooq Khan, Dr. Yaser El-Gazzar, and Dr. Lisa Sharkey.
It can be. Some causes are mild, but swallowing difficulty can also point to reflux complications, narrowing, achalasia, neurological disease, or other conditions that need treatment.
Achalasia is a swallowing disorder where the lower part of the esophagus does not relax properly, making it hard for food and liquid to pass into the stomach.
Yes. Long-term reflux can irritate the esophagus and may lead to inflammation or narrowing, which can make swallowing uncomfortable or difficult.
Tests may include upper endoscopy, barium swallow imaging, reflux testing, and other assessments depending on your symptoms.
Often, yes. Treatment may include medication, diet changes, reflux treatment, swallowing therapy, or endoscopic procedures. The right option depends on the cause.
Seek urgent care if you cannot swallow, are drooling, have trouble breathing, feel food is stuck and will not pass, or have sudden severe chest or throat discomfort.