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Suggest Treatment For Difficulty Swallowing Along With Weight Loss
Question: Hello,
this question is about my father. He has dysphagia and we have been able to manage that somewhat ok, with change of diet and positioning. He can swallow, with difficulty but he is still able to. I have noticed that recently (he has become a bit weak due to infections) that basically he can swallow but the food/liquids just come back up to his mouth. At first we thought this was actually a lung issue but I truly believe that its just food not being able to get down to the stomach. Meanwhile he has lost weight and is dehydrated. Any help will be appreciated, at this point since he is 89 we practically are not receiving any help from medical community regarding this. I like to know if we can do anything short of having a tube in his stomach.
this question is about my father. He has dysphagia and we have been able to manage that somewhat ok, with change of diet and positioning. He can swallow, with difficulty but he is still able to. I have noticed that recently (he has become a bit weak due to infections) that basically he can swallow but the food/liquids just come back up to his mouth. At first we thought this was actually a lung issue but I truly believe that its just food not being able to get down to the stomach. Meanwhile he has lost weight and is dehydrated. Any help will be appreciated, at this point since he is 89 we practically are not receiving any help from medical community regarding this. I like to know if we can do anything short of having a tube in his stomach.
Brief Answer:
Find out the cause to swallowing difficulty first...
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
I have gone through the medical history of your father and am really sorry about his current health situation. Although he is 89 years old, he deserves to receive descent medical attention.
I am sorry to admit that the symptoms of difficulty when swallowing and losing weight and keeping dehydrated are highly suggestive for malignancies of upper GI tract (including esophagus or stomach).
The final conclusion is made through further diagnostic tests:
- Barium test
- upper endoscopy
- chest X-ray
- abdominal ultrasound
To my opinion, you should get these further tests done first to understand what is causing such problems to your father. Then, depending on the results, we can think over a follow up or treatment strategies.
So, I highly recommend to consult with gastroenterologist as soon as possible to get proper treatment in time. He deserves it.
God bless!
Dr.Klerida
Find out the cause to swallowing difficulty first...
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
I have gone through the medical history of your father and am really sorry about his current health situation. Although he is 89 years old, he deserves to receive descent medical attention.
I am sorry to admit that the symptoms of difficulty when swallowing and losing weight and keeping dehydrated are highly suggestive for malignancies of upper GI tract (including esophagus or stomach).
The final conclusion is made through further diagnostic tests:
- Barium test
- upper endoscopy
- chest X-ray
- abdominal ultrasound
To my opinion, you should get these further tests done first to understand what is causing such problems to your father. Then, depending on the results, we can think over a follow up or treatment strategies.
So, I highly recommend to consult with gastroenterologist as soon as possible to get proper treatment in time. He deserves it.
God bless!
Dr.Klerida
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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