Can Prednisone Cause Difficulty Swallowing?

Posted on Wed, 30 Sep 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 Answered on

Fri, 16 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Can prednisone cause a swallowing problem

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Prednisone side effects

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns.

You have been taking prednisone lately and have noticed difficulty swallowing. There is a chance that the prednisone is increasing your risk of esophageal reflux and causing burning to your esophagus. What happens is that prednisone reduces the mucus lining of your stomach and esophagus which allows the acid to more easily burn your stomach and esophagus. To help reduce this irritation I would recommend using omeprazole or similar medication OTC.

The best thing overall is to wean off the prednisone if you are able to.

If these measures don't help then you may need further evaluation with an esophageal x ray or EGD.

In summary
1. prednisone can cause GERD with esophagitits
2. Stop prednisone if possible
3. Start Omeprazole or other PPI for pain control
4. If not better see your medical provider for esophageal X rays or EGD.

I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any further questions

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar