Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Swallowed Catheter, Trouble Breathing, Hair Loss, Itchy And Dry Skin. Treatment?
hi my name is linda gutierrez i had trauma done to me in my throat, swallowing a catheter straw down my esohagus, this procedure damaged my throat enabling me to breathe properly, hair loss , itchy dry skin , increased saliva drooling, plugged ears.. kaiser likes to say it was caused by acid reflux. which is absurd because my acid never got to my throat, just my chest, i wanted to know is there any treatment for my condition or should i let it heal on its own?
posted on
Sat, 22 Sep 2012
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 23 Sep 2012
Answered on
Mon, 24 Sep 2012
Last reviewed on
Hello I am Dr Ravinder Sharma ENT surgeon
On the basis of information provided it appears that you are concerned with the trauma in the throat because of catheter. This is a treatable condition.You will require ENT examination and possibly an endoscopy of oesophagus to look for the extent of damage. Depending on the extent of damage treatment can be planned. I will not comment on the problem of reflux right now. It is better to take care of the injury in oesophagus and once it heals it will need a review for reflux. At the same time an antacid may be of help for you. This will neutralize the acid content of gastric secretions and thus your symptoms of reflux will decrease for the time being.
I hope this answers your concerns. Feel free to contact me if your need more information on this
With warm regards
Ravinder Sharma
On the basis of information provided it appears that you are concerned with the trauma in the throat because of catheter. This is a treatable condition.You will require ENT examination and possibly an endoscopy of oesophagus to look for the extent of damage. Depending on the extent of damage treatment can be planned. I will not comment on the problem of reflux right now. It is better to take care of the injury in oesophagus and once it heals it will need a review for reflux. At the same time an antacid may be of help for you. This will neutralize the acid content of gastric secretions and thus your symptoms of reflux will decrease for the time being.
I hope this answers your concerns. Feel free to contact me if your need more information on this
With warm regards
Ravinder Sharma
I find this answer helpful
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Esophagus
Loading Online Doctors....