What Causes Difficulty In Swallowing?

Posted on Mon, 13 Feb 2017

Question: I sometimes can't swallow certain foods like rice, chicken, white bread, french fries, etc. I am not choking (can breathe and speak), but if I drink something when this happens, the liquid will shoot right back out until I am "unclogged". This problem runs in my family, as well. What could this be?

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
?? Gastrointestinal conditions do present in a similar manner

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. I do believe the issue could be related to your gastrointestinal tract and would recommend investigations like:

+An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
+24-hour pH monitoring
+Ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis (if required)
+Blood count

Certain gastrointestinal conditions like hiatus hernia, diaphragmatic hernia, acid reflux, etc; all present with difficulty in swallowing (could be to certain foods or specific timing) and so these need to be investigated, and I am sure once the diagnosis is made, we can help you.

If you have associated symptoms like heart burn, abdominal bloating, biter taste in your mouth, occasional regurgitation of food and/or liquid, etc; or any such similar symptoms then your diagnosis should most probably be easy to make.

I hope you find my response helpful. Please feel free to write to me anytime, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.

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