HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Causes Difficult Swallowing ?

Posted on Fri, 2 May 2014

Question: My father who is 91 years old has a problem with swallowing problem his food goes directly into his lungs he is feeding by gastric stomach tube. He has done speech therapy with no improvement. This problem was because of intubation during surgery. Who do we go to to find a possible solution to correct the problem.

Answered by Dr. Likaj (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: you have to see the surgeon again Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for asking. Probably your father has developed a fistula between the trachea and the esophagus. So he can be needed only by the gastric tube, because food can go to the lung and cause severe pneumonia. You have too talk again with the surgeon because the chances that the fistula closes by itself are low. I hope to have addressed your query. Best regards, Ermal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Likaj (1 hour later)

What kind of surgeon? we have gotten NOTHING These doctors won't even take a look nor will they give us a referal

Answered by Dr. Likaj (6 hours later)

Brief Answer: abdominal surgeon Detailed Answer: Hello, You have to talk with the general or abdominal surgeon. Maybe they are not referring you because the risk of surgery is very high due to heart failure and advanced age. Best regards, Dr. Ermal

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. Yogesh D