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Well I’m actually 19 years old and I’m an active guy pretty healthy but I had anxiety when I was younger like 14-15 but that went away keep in mind beside my anxiety I am not a complainer at all anyways I told my doctor hey I’m having an issue swallowing food she said it’s anxiety I said oh I mean I’ll let it go fast forward two years and me being 19 now I’ve been having more difficulties swallowing now and a feeling that a lump in my throat so I went to the doctor and he recommended an upper scope procedure that I’m scheduled for next month. He thinks it esophogitis some name like that, that he thinks since I had asthma in past it could mean I have this now and he said if that’s what he sees in the procedure he’ll send a balloon down there to open up my esophagus he didn’t make it seem like a big deal. What I’m also thinking is ever since I was young I had terrible gas and I was just so used to passing gas like every minute my whole life I’m wondering what that can be from too? Just wanted to know what people thought about this and also I have more questions about my procedure as well.
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@frankh21
There are many causes for dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). This article from the Mayo Clinic explains: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dysphagia/symptoms-causes/syc-20372028 . I have very mild asthma and it was thought I might have Eosinophilic esophagitis. I did not have it. I have had inflammation of my esophagus caused by acid reflux. Mostly caused by a hiatal hernia.. if you have one of those it will show up during the procedure. I have achalasia, esophageal spasms and Barrett's esophagus. So far stretching my esophagus has helped.
If you have never had an upper endoscopy you might feel a little nervous. This site explains the procedure pretty well and why it is done... and has a little video. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/upper-gi-endoscopy . It shows the instrument they will put down your throat. You will have to fast for several hours before the procedure. You will have an IV placed. You will be lightly put under anesthesia. Sometimes the block that the scope goes through is put in before anesthesia and sometimes after. The doctor may take biopsies or if the esophagus needs enlarged he will use a balloon to stretch the esophagus. Photos and video will probably be taken. The procedure doesn't take long. You may feel light-headed for a while afterward.. so no driving and you should have someone with you for the day. You may have a sore throat so you might want to have something like Sucrets lozenges on hand.
Several things can cause gas too. Part of it can be the swallowing problem. When you have difficulty swallowing air is swallowed trying to push the food down. It can be from eating too fast and also from what types of food you eat. Legumes.. beans, peanuts and spicy foods that contain a lot of onion and garlic.. also foods like cabbage, brussel sprouts, and broccoli. You might want to keep a food diary/journal that might narrow what food might be causing gas. It could be just the food fermenting and forming gas. Sometimes with the achalasia I have food will sit in my esophagus for a few days. The sphincter is just stubborn about opening.
Don't be shy... tell your doctors all that is going on. Are your parents involved in your medical care? If so they need to know all too. It is always good to have someone than can help advocate on your behalf.
ZeeGee