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I Struggle To Swallow Food Because It Feels Like My Throat Is Tight And Strained
Question: I've had this issue for 3 years where I struggle to swallow food because it feels like my throat is tight and strained. This also causes my nose to get blocked. I went to an ENT doctor, who said I had silent reflux and gave me PPI, allergy pills, and Gaviscon. But they didn't help, so I saw a stomach specialist who did some tests and told me I don't have acid reflux or GERD. I even tried Esophageal manometry, but that didn't find anything either. I've been on PPI for 3 years and my condition keeps getting worse.
The only time I feel better is when I use a decongestant spray in my nose, but I can't use it for long and it irritates my throat. I tried Avamys, but it made my nose even more blocked and I couldn't handle it for more than a few days.
I'm starting to feel hopeless because I've seen so many doctors and tried different treatments with no relief. What am I missing? What kind of doctor should I see next? Are there any medications I haven't tried yet?
The only time I feel better is when I use a decongestant spray in my nose, but I can't use it for long and it irritates my throat. I tried Avamys, but it made my nose even more blocked and I couldn't handle it for more than a few days.
I'm starting to feel hopeless because I've seen so many doctors and tried different treatments with no relief. What am I missing? What kind of doctor should I see next? Are there any medications I haven't tried yet?
Brief Answer:
You need to change the PPI
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I appreciate you asking this. I have carefully considered your problem and am sympathetic to your plight.
1. To clear the blockage, we must address nasal congestion if it exists. Mouth breathing caused by nasal congestion dries out the throat and is uncomfortable. An intranasal steroid spray is necessary in your case. It typically takes at least 2 weeks to start working and at least 3 to 4 months to complete the course of treatment. In refractive cases, a brief course of oral steroids is frequently administered to enhance the impact of intranasal corticosteroids. Additionally, switching to another intranasal spray, like mometasone, may be advantageous.
If the aforementioned treatment is ineffective, surgical intervention is required to minimize the size of the turbinates.
Avoid taking antihistamine medications, as they can worsen your condition by drying up the mucosa of the nose and throat.
2. Regarding laryngopharyngeal reflux, Dexilant may not be suitable for all patients. We need to change the molecule and add prokinetics.
3. Relaxation therapies and dietary modifications are of the utmost importance.
I hope this answers your query. Revert if there are any further queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and head and neck surgeon
You need to change the PPI
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I appreciate you asking this. I have carefully considered your problem and am sympathetic to your plight.
1. To clear the blockage, we must address nasal congestion if it exists. Mouth breathing caused by nasal congestion dries out the throat and is uncomfortable. An intranasal steroid spray is necessary in your case. It typically takes at least 2 weeks to start working and at least 3 to 4 months to complete the course of treatment. In refractive cases, a brief course of oral steroids is frequently administered to enhance the impact of intranasal corticosteroids. Additionally, switching to another intranasal spray, like mometasone, may be advantageous.
If the aforementioned treatment is ineffective, surgical intervention is required to minimize the size of the turbinates.
Avoid taking antihistamine medications, as they can worsen your condition by drying up the mucosa of the nose and throat.
2. Regarding laryngopharyngeal reflux, Dexilant may not be suitable for all patients. We need to change the molecule and add prokinetics.
3. Relaxation therapies and dietary modifications are of the utmost importance.
I hope this answers your query. Revert if there are any further queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and head and neck surgeon
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Practicing since :2001
Answered : 2543 Questions
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