Suggest Treatment For Difficulty In Swallowing And Pain In The Throat

Posted on Mon, 11 Jul 2016

Question: I have been having increasing difficulty in swallowing in the past several weeks. It definitely does not feel like there's a lump in my throat nor does it feel like a pill is stuck in my throat or any other foreign object. It does come and go and at times can make it extremely difficult to eat or even drink. When my husband observes me, he says it seems to be on more on the inhale. At a few times, I have felt like I've had the hiccups but usually this feeling is much more intense. It is not a sharp pain but a dull pain and makes eating and swallowing very very uncomfortable even liquids and especially taking my medications . Do you have any idea what this could be? I have seen my regular doctor and not I have an appointment with a gastroenterologist but not for another two months so I thought I would ask you. Thank you so very much for your time, KarenSue XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Harish Naik (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Might be enlargement, omeprazole, non pharmacological measures

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome
I have gone through your query

I would like to know few more information like
Is there any history of tonsillitis ?
Is there any recent history of sore throat, cold?
Is there any acidity problem?

Based on the information it looks like GERD.

I would suggest you few measures that will be beneficial.
Take capsule omeprazole 20 mg once daily empty stomach, before breakfast for a week.
Avoid spicy and oily food for few days till the symptoms are resolved. Avoid or reduce the intake of meat, dairy products, and add more fiber to your diet. Eat lots of salads, vegetables, fresh fruits.
Avoid excess consumption of tea/ coffee/ hydrogenated drinks. Avoid smoking and alcohol, if any.
Eat frequent small meals instead of heavy ones and do not starve. Do not lie down immediately after food, walk for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Keep your head end slightly raised when sleeping.
Maintain a gap of atleast 2 hrs in between dinner and going to bed.
Eat light meals prepared under hygienic conditions. Avoid eating fast and talking while eating.
Regular exercise is very much essential. Follow this measures your symptoms should reduce.

If this doesn't help, then we need to exclude other possibilities like tonsillitis, thyroid enlargement.
Follow this measures you should be fine.
If you have any further doubt, I'll be glad to help you out.
Take care

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina