What Causes Sudden Painful Swallowing?

Posted on Mon, 5 Jun 2017

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

Mon, 5 Jun 2017 Answered on

Tue, 4 Jul 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : A XXXXXXX horse in my neck on the left side . Last night couldn't speak, drooled.swallowing was extremely painful. It lasted for 3 hours. Don't tell me this isn't something to worry about because all I do is panic at the slightest twinge . I have had this cramping since I was 16. I am 61 female, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX BMI 25.6. My ENT doesn't know a thing about what causes it. How can I prevent this awful pain. Once I went to the emergency room.

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Odynophagia

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare Magic and thanks for putting up the query
Sudden painful swallowing can be due to neurological causes. There might be increased esophageal contractions causing such symptoms.
My advise is you should get a barium swallow study done and send me the report so that I can suggest you better.
You should follow few lifestyle measures like avoid spicy foods and aerated drinks.
Take small bites and try to eat semisolids and avoid dry foods.
Take juice or water while having your meals.
When you have such symptoms relax for sometime, avoid forceful swallowing and lie in a semi reclined position.
Follow up with the report
Take care
Thanks and regards

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