What Causes Hiccups, Swallowing Difficulty And Feeling Of Something Stuck In The Throat?

Posted on Thu, 1 Dec 2016

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

Thu, 1 Dec 2016 Answered on

Wed, 21 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : 72yr old male in good health and taking only prpranalol for tremors. 2 week history of hiccups while eating which lasts for about 10 min. For past 2 days have had mild difficulty swallowing and feel like something is stuck in my throat. The later has triggered lengthy episodes of coughing. No pain or heartburn, but very annoying. Assume I should see an ENT.

Answered by Dr. Rahul Tawde (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It is neuropathy

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Thank you for posting your question on Health Care Magic.
The symptoms you have described could be due to many reasons.
1 This could be due to severe gastritis or GERD but since you say there is no heart burn it is unlikely.
2.Could be due to any pathology in the throat, which could be diagnosed by an ENT after a good examination.
3 In your case It could be due to neuropathy or irritation in the nerves caused by propanolol.
Please get back to the doctor who prescribed it and get an alternative drug for your tremors .

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Rahul Tawde (7 hours later)

Likelihood of throat or laryngeal cancer?

Answered by Dr. Rahul Tawde (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Less likely

Detailed Answer:
Hello again , well it can be completely ruled out only after a thorough ENT examination
As if now I strongly recommend you to stop propanolol and ask your doctor for alternate treatment for your temors.
And get yourself examined by an ENT surgeon
Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. REMY KOSHY