What Causes Painful Swallowing Inspite Of Having History Of Esophagus Spasms?

Posted on Fri, 4 Apr 2014

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

Fri, 4 Apr 2014 Answered on

Thu, 24 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Having a hard time swallowing food, mainly chicken, breads; foods with texture. I have had esophagus spasms in the past. I am very tired and super weak. When my thyroid area/ voice box is touched it hurts REALLY bad. My chest is burning super bad and to breath or talk makes it worse. I am out of breath too. I have a referral in for a swallow eval, but this is getting pretty bad.

Answered by Dr. Enrique Molina (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: you need more studies Detailed Answer: Hi, swallowing problems can be really distressing. Esophageal spasms are certainly a possibility, however treatment options for this are very limited. How were you diagnosed with this? If your symptoms are getting worse you definitely need an upper endoscopy, first of all to rule out any esophageal strictures or other mechanical esophageal problems that may get treated during the endoscopy. Second of all you need to get esophageal biopsies, to rule out a disorder called "eosinophilic esophagitis", which is fairly common nowadays, and mostly in young persons like yourself. A swallow eval is important to make sure the problem is not neuromuscular, meaning that you may have a neurologic problem debilitating your swallowing muscles. Other studies that may be needed include a barium esophagram and an esophageal manometry. I suggest you making an appointment with a gastroenterologist as soon as possible.

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

Follow up: Dr. Enrique Molina (40 minutes later)

Thank you, after reading and searching that is what I was thinking also. I also have a problem pronouncing words at times. I am very upset with the doctors and the place where the testing will be done it has been a few weeks and still no appointment set.

Answered by Dr. Enrique Molina (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer: see below Detailed Answer: yes if you are having problems pronouncing words at times, you may have a neuromuscular problem as i mentioned before. I the swallow eval is abnormal you should then seek a neurologist. Appointments should not take "weeks", but i guess it depends on the availability of staff and testing sites in your area. Hope i helped, good luck

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