What Causes Pain And Swelling In The Throat Along With Swallowing Difficulty?

Posted on Thu, 6 Jul 2017

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

Thu, 6 Jul 2017 Answered on

Thu, 27 Jul 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I took a barium test normal For one week I drink and nothing seems to reach my stomach very little. I ate a little but it remain in my throat and mouth. I swallow but my throat hurts and feels swollen. I host 12 lbs

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please give details

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
To recapitulate: Female/63 - normal barium test - for one week - drink - nothing seems to reach stomach - very little - ate a little but it remains in throat and mouth - throat hurts on swallowing and feels swollen - - lost 12 lbs - tried pepto bismol ...

As per the history this looks to be due to esophagitis or esophagospasm.
Since barium test normal, I would advise you the following:
Take a PPI like Omeprazole.
Antacids every three hours.
Domperidone may help.
Upper GI endoscopy may help to have proper diagnosis as the interior of throat, esophagus, stomach and first part of the duodenum is directly visualized and proper diagnosis can be done to get you a proper further management.
Opinion of an ENT helps further. by clinical evaluation, examination, Endoscopy of throat and proper prescription based medications.
May also need a CT scan of the chest if the upper GI Endoscopy indicates so.
Take plenty of oral fluids at least to maintain hydration.
Further management as per the clinical and investigations findings.

I hope this answer helps you.
Please feel free to ask for further relevant queries.

Please give additional information for me to assist you better:
Was it a Barium swallow and/or meal test. Please post reports or photos if possible.
Since when have you got this problem?
Any other investigations?
Any other medical problems, medications or symptoms?

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

Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (13 hours later)

The pills and fluid get stuck in my mouth -throat. I had chest scan and throat scan 10 days ago told me okay

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Further studies needed to get a proper diagnosis

Detailed Answer:
Nice to know that chest and throat scan 10 days ago were normal.
Get an Upper GI Endoscopy and Manometry as well as motility studies done.
An opinion of a Gastroenterologist and Neurologist can help for further diagnosis.
A proper diagnosis is very important for proper management.

Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana