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Swallowing problems
For the past year or two, I've been having trouble swallowing. I have to chew and chew, and often have to drink to get the food down from my esophagus to my stomach. I had a barium swallow test, and was told that the muscle rings that are supposed to work in sequence, are moving at random. Things like bread are the worst, and often even liquids get stopped part of the way down, and I cough a lot with liquids. I don't have chest pain, that is often connected with dysphagia. I'm always the last one to finish eating. It helps to have bread toasted. The doctor who told me what he saw in the barium test didn't tell me anything except the random contractions. I don't know if there's a name for it, or if there's anything that can be done.
Jim
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@jimhd Hi Jim: Because of a paralyzed vocal cord, I've had swallowing problems off and on for several years. When I'm having a difficult day with things "going down the wrong pipe" so to speak, I've developed a few tricks. One thing I've done is to hold my breath when drinking - sounds odd I know but it helps me, I've heard this method discussed at seminars for ALS (I don't have ALS but this is a common problem with ALS patients). Also eating as slow as possible is always a good. Teresa
Thanks, Teresa. I've had to remember to stop breathing when I drink, but I don't always think to do it. Then, I choke and often get hiccups.
Jim
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1 ReactionAbout my condition. I have some questions but I don’t know who to ask. can someone help me?
@frankh21 - Welcome to Connect! We are a group with a lot of personal experience in a variety of conditions. We will most likely be able to point you in the right direction.
Can you tell us what is bothering you? How long and any treatments, tests or medications?
Looking forward to hear from you !
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1 ReactionHello @frankh21,
I would like to add my welcome to Connect as well. As @astaingegerdm said in her post, could you give us a bit more detail about the swallowing and digestive problems you are experiencing? For example, have you seen a doctor, and if so, do you have a diagnosis? What types of diagnostic tests have been done so far? Hope to hear from you soon!
@frankh21
Welcome to Mayo Connect. Many of us at Connect have swallowing and digestive issues. .. me being one. Tell us what is going on and ask your questions. We will do our best to help you. Bear in mind we are not doctors.. just people sharing and learning from each other. We hold a lot of information amongst us.
ZeeGee
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.
@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
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