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What Causes Dysphagia And Difficulty In Swallowing In An IBS Patient?

Posted on Thu, 11 Aug 2016

Question: I am 78 yrs old and been suffering from ibs for years. My main symptoms is excessive gas in the stomach and discomfort just below the ribs. Recently I have developed dysphagia and they want to do an Esophageal Dilation. The swallowing discomfort is not severe and has'nt got worse over the last 6 months. My main concern is that the dilation procedure can result in severe reflux and that is a problem that hav'nt
had in the past. Could you tell me if reflux is common or rare with this procedure. Many thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need more information

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.

You were diagnosed with IBS.
Dysphagia is an unrelated symptom.
I would like to have a look at your endoscopy or barium swallow report if any of these were done already.

Regards,
Dr.R.K.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (24 hours later)

Dear Dr. thank you for your reply. I had a gastroscopy 2 years ago and everything was normal. Symptoms were diagnosed to be IBS. About 6 months ago I developed new symptoms. These symptoms were discomfort after a meal with feelings of food being stuck in the esophagus in the centre of the chest. I had a barium swallow test done which indicated that there was a problem with the swallowing process. They now want me to have a Esophageal Dilation and biopsys. The swallowing symptoms are not severe and hav'nt got worse over the last 6 months. My concern is the possible after effects of a dilation. I have been told that severe gastric reflux can develop after dilation. Not having experienced gastric reflux at any stage I am concerned that I might be at risk of developing another very unpleasant symptom and should I take the risk if it is not necessary. The IBS symptoms are severe enough without additional ones. Many thanks, XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (33 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Mechanical obstruction or achalasia cardia?

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the additional information.
I feel some information is still missing.
Dilation is done if there is mechanical obstruction in any part of esophagus or if the lower esophageal valve fails to relax as in achalasia cardia.
Which of these two you have for which dilation has been planned?
Regards,
Dr.R.K

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (2 days later)

Dear Dr.
Thank you. The barium enema found problems with swallowing process. The discomfort is mainly behind the breastbone after eating. The feeling that there is something stuck there. It gradually eases and the symptoms are not there all the time. From memory they said it could be a ring that could be eased by esophageal dilation. Also they intend to do biopsys of the esophagus. The term was I think a balloon dilation and biopsys. As I mentioned my main concern is that these procedures can result in severe reflux symptoms. This is one symptom I hav'nt experienced in the past. Is the possibility of severe refux being an after effect of these procedures. If it is necessary I will certainly have the procedure done. But I still have that doubt about it being necessary. Many thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the additional information.

Endoscopy will show what is causing dysphagia.
If it is a ring, then dilatation would provide relief.
Dilatation of esophageal ring does not result in reflux symptoms.

Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Dr.R.K

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Priyanka G Raj