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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Difficulty In Swallowing Pills?

My 23 yo daughter has trouble swallowing pills, and at times chokes on food to where she can t breathe and starts to panic until she coughs up what s in her throat. She has about 2-3 serious choking incidents every year. Esophagus too small?? narrow opening? thoughts?
Fri, 9 Dec 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Dysphagia is the term used to describe difficulty swallowing.

There are different possible causes such as: (1) diseases of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord, that control swallowing)-
(2)related to the muscles involved in swallowing
(3)could also be related to hormonal causes such as abnormal levels of thyroid, abnormal level of vitamin b12
(4)side effect of medication
(5)structural causes- blockage in the mouth or esophagus

To find out the cause, she would need to be seen. A gastroenterogist, a doctor who specializes in gastrointestinal tract, would be the best person to assess and treat.

Treatment would depend on the cause found.

I hope this helps
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What Causes Difficulty In Swallowing Pills?

HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Dysphagia is the term used to describe difficulty swallowing. There are different possible causes such as: (1) diseases of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord, that control swallowing)- (2)related to the muscles involved in swallowing (3)could also be related to hormonal causes such as abnormal levels of thyroid, abnormal level of vitamin b12 (4)side effect of medication (5)structural causes- blockage in the mouth or esophagus To find out the cause, she would need to be seen. A gastroenterogist, a doctor who specializes in gastrointestinal tract, would be the best person to assess and treat. Treatment would depend on the cause found. I hope this helps