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What Causes Difficulty In Swallowing Food?

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Posted on Tue, 11 Jul 2017
Question: I occasionally have problem swallowing my food. It will not go down, there is a lot of saliva forcing me to swallow which exacerbates the problem. It is generally when eating meat and lately it took about 10 minutes to get through the problem. If I drink water, it just makes it hurt more and doesn't wash the food down. By holding my breath it helps sometimes. I always get hiccups also. I'm not sure what kind of doctor to see for the problem.
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Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up with a Gastroenterologist for necessary investigations

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HCM

Difficulty swallowing could either be due to achalasia cardia(where the esophageal sphincter fail to relax) or any obstruction in food pathway caused by tumors, strictures etc.
A barium swallow is recommended to look for the location and cause of obstruction.
According to the barium swallow results, an endoscopy, esophageal manometric study may also be required.
Please be advised to follow up with a Gastroenterologist for necessary evaluation.

Hope this answers your question
Please address further questions here
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi
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. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3808 Questions

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What Causes Difficulty In Swallowing Food?

Brief Answer: Follow up with a Gastroenterologist for necessary investigations Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for trusting HCM Difficulty swallowing could either be due to achalasia cardia(where the esophageal sphincter fail to relax) or any obstruction in food pathway caused by tumors, strictures etc. A barium swallow is recommended to look for the location and cause of obstruction. According to the barium swallow results, an endoscopy, esophageal manometric study may also be required. Please be advised to follow up with a Gastroenterologist for necessary evaluation. Hope this answers your question Please address further questions here Regards Dr.Lekshmi