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Has anyone had difficulty swallowing after beginning 6% solution.?
Has anyone had trouble with food getting stuck at the back of their throat on 6% solution. At my last pulmonary appointment, my breathing scores had lowered. He ordered more breathing tests, put me on a 6% solution twice a day, and to exercise more. I’d been on 3% for years with no exacerbations. I exercised more, and put more into the breathing tests and passed all with flying colors. Highest score since I was diagnosed with mild Bronchiectasis. However the 6% solution really irritated my throat, to the extent I have trouble swallowing and eating regular food which gets stuck in the back of my throat, not my esophagus. Only soft food will go down. I stopped the 6% after about 2 weeks and went back to 3%. I nebulize after meals not before. But weeks later I’m still having trouble swallowing. I’ve started Pepsid daily but still can’t eat regular food. Im going to try to get into see my PC this week for a throat check. Any suggestions for those who have gone through this ?
I’m going on a trip in two weeks and want the irritation to heal so I can eat normally. Many thanks
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This is a question for your doctor! Please contact them.
From my years of using hypertonic saline, I've never experienced anything like this and it is not a listed side effect. I have heard of swallowing problems, however, in bronchiectasis. Sometimes PT can help, or stretching the esophagus can also help.
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1 Reaction@nanhall Saline didn't make a difference for me, but over the years since my Bronchiectasis/MAC diagnosis, with all the coughing, nebulizing and airway clearance, I was having swallowing and choking issues. My very wise and proactive pulmonologist sent me to an ENT and Speech Therapist who diagnosed vocal chord dysfunction, and something else I forget. With swallowing exercises I was able to overcome the issues in a few months. If they start up again, I restart the exercises.
Since it is unlikely that the saline caused acid reflex, can you schedule an ENT/Speech Therapy visit?
@nanhall I was told at NJH to nebulize on an empty stomach, so before meals rather than after. I hope your doctor has some good advice so you can enjoy your trip.
@sueinmn
Can you show us exercises ......
@catfish3012 No, I am sorry, the purpose of Mayo Connect is to share our experiences, not to diagnose or treat one another. We are all different, and what is causing my symptoms is not necessarily what is causing yours.
My exercises were developed for my by the speech therapist after examinations by both the ENT doctor and the therapist. You need to see doctor to provide you with a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Have you seen an ENT (Otolaryngologist) or Speech Therapist for an exact diagnosis?