Suggest Treatment For Swallowing Difficulty

Posted on Thu, 23 Feb 2017

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

Thu, 23 Feb 2017 Answered on

Wed, 22 Mar 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi. ER or specialist? I have difficulty swallowing. Both liquids and solids last week for 2 days, now I can swallow water/milk in small amounts. Large gulps and throat closes for a while (1 hour or so). Should I go to the ER or see a specialist. If so, what kind?

It has been a couple of hours for my question. Please respond.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explanation provided.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone through your query. However, your condition needs to be carefully assessed first. Investigations will help to classify difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) as oropharyngeal, esophageal and obstructive, or neuromuscular symptom complexes. Difficulty in swallowing both solids and liquids is usually seen in neuromuscular dysphagias. Treatment of the underlying condition would help in resolution of your problem.

Visiting the ER will not help. Visiting a specialist, especially a neurologist (preferred) or a ENT doctor (less preferred) should help.

I would await your response. Based on it I would surely guide you further.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (15 hours later)

Thank you for the direction. I will avoid the ER. There is no neurologist in this area so I will visit an ENT. You can close the issue if you want.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Glad to be of service

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back. Incidentally I cannot close the query from my end. You can close it yourself or can leave it open in case you want to provide subsequent updates.

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (7 days later)

My primary care doctor sent me to Gastroenterology where, after scope, I was diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus. A biopsy was taken (results next week). Pantoprazole (Protonix 40 mg) was prescribed. Follow-up in 10 weeks.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Suggestions given

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the update. Barrett's esophagus is usually a result of GERD. In order to relieve yourself, you need to do the following:

* Avoid spicy food. Take small but frequent meals. Avoid long gaps between meals.
* Avoid alcohol intake (if at all take).
* Take PPI/antacid Prilosec (Omeprazole) or Pantoprazole once daily before breakfast.
* Take plenty of green leafy vegetables as well as other sources of dietary fibers. Take fiber supplements like Ispaghula/psyllium husk or senna. I would insist you to increase your dietary fiber intake.

* Regular morning walk and exercise to keep the bowel movements proper.
* If I're your treating physician, I would perhaps have suggested Prodep 20 mg tablet (long term anxiolytic) once daily for at least 2 months (it may take time for the action to set in).

* Take curd or yogurt on daily basis. It contains beneficial bacteria and should help.
* Stress reduction has a very important role to play. Yoga and meditation should help.

Hopefully that should help.

Let me know if I could help further.

Regards

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee