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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Choking Sensation And Difficulty In Swallowing?

I have a swallowing/choking issue that is getting worse. I have had an endoscopy (years ago) and the Dr said everything looked normal. It happens randomly; the food or drink will not go down, and it feels like my throat just closes up. The food will not pass, and I have to throw it up. I then have what feels like a hard ball in my throat - which is in reality phlegm that I have to keep spitting up. This can go on for hours. I have had to leave restaurants, events, family outings..because I just can never tell what will trigger it. I do not have GERD or heartburn. I am a 57 year old female. My Mother and Sister had similar issues, altho not as severe as mine, and had their esophagus stretched because they had a stricture, and they have not had anymore issues. Something is very wrong; this is happening more frequently and there is no rhyme or reason to what triggers it or when it will happen. Any ideas?
Tue, 3 Jul 2018
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Swallowing difficulties is nonspecific sign and may indicate several conditions. It is seen in smokers commonly. Also it can be sign of esophageal spasms, tumors or GERD. However, most common cause is hiatal hernia and this means that stomach is protruding through diaphragm muscle. It may cause breathing difficulties,nausea, swallowing difficulties and irritation of stomach. It will also be aggravated by certain food or medications, stress and smoking. You need to avoid fried food, carbonated drinks, coffee, alcohol and spicy food. You should eat more milk products, vegetables and boiled food. Also, certain antiacid medications may be required and as last option, it is possible to perform surgical repair of hernia especially if there are progressive respiratory discomfort and dyspepsia. To diagnose it you should do gastroscopy and if this is negative as in your case then you should do contrast X-rays of stomach.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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What Causes Choking Sensation And Difficulty In Swallowing?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Swallowing difficulties is nonspecific sign and may indicate several conditions. It is seen in smokers commonly. Also it can be sign of esophageal spasms, tumors or GERD. However, most common cause is hiatal hernia and this means that stomach is protruding through diaphragm muscle. It may cause breathing difficulties,nausea, swallowing difficulties and irritation of stomach. It will also be aggravated by certain food or medications, stress and smoking. You need to avoid fried food, carbonated drinks, coffee, alcohol and spicy food. You should eat more milk products, vegetables and boiled food. Also, certain antiacid medications may be required and as last option, it is possible to perform surgical repair of hernia especially if there are progressive respiratory discomfort and dyspepsia. To diagnose it you should do gastroscopy and if this is negative as in your case then you should do contrast X-rays of stomach. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.