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What Causes Frequent Involuntarily Swallowing?
Question: My throat often makes a strange 'creaking' or 'gurgling' sound after I swallow. It's delayed and can be up to 5-10 seconds after swallowing, and seems to only happen when I'm swallowing involuntarily, not eating. It kind of 'feels' like it's moving, and moving along the entire esophagus. The noise is quite noticeable.
I also suffer from 'dry mouth' which is causing tooth decay - root caries (I eat very healthily and avoid sugar and processed foods, soft drinks and even fruit juice, and drink lots of filtered water and lately, fresh coconut water. I avoid coffee and tea, and don't drink much alcohol, maybe a glass of wine occasionally, I'm not on any medication and quite healthy and active, though I am under quite a lot of stress at the moment that's out of my control) and I now snore frequently whereas I never used to. I'm not overweight, male and 45. Actually, is it normal to feel compelled to swallow often, even with no food, drink or even much saliva in the mouth? I feel compelled to swallow at least several times a minute. I've never really thought about that before and am now suddenly wondering if that's actually the norm.
I'm wondering if these 2 things are related, the strange throat noises and the dry mouth.
I am also wondering if I would benefit from a low dose of a medication like Salagen? I'm really worried about the dental caries.
Thank you for your time
I also suffer from 'dry mouth' which is causing tooth decay - root caries (I eat very healthily and avoid sugar and processed foods, soft drinks and even fruit juice, and drink lots of filtered water and lately, fresh coconut water. I avoid coffee and tea, and don't drink much alcohol, maybe a glass of wine occasionally, I'm not on any medication and quite healthy and active, though I am under quite a lot of stress at the moment that's out of my control) and I now snore frequently whereas I never used to. I'm not overweight, male and 45. Actually, is it normal to feel compelled to swallow often, even with no food, drink or even much saliva in the mouth? I feel compelled to swallow at least several times a minute. I've never really thought about that before and am now suddenly wondering if that's actually the norm.
I'm wondering if these 2 things are related, the strange throat noises and the dry mouth.
I am also wondering if I would benefit from a low dose of a medication like Salagen? I'm really worried about the dental caries.
Thank you for your time
Brief Answer:
As below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The normal production of saliva per day is about one to one and a half liters. Hence frequent swallowing is normal during the day. The salivary production decreases in the night while sleeping and we swallow at a much lower frequency.
2. Snoring leads to mouth breathing and dryness in the throat and oral cavity. A sleep study will help check whether sleep apnea is present.
3. The dental problems may be due to the dryness or chronic acid reflux. Get a prescription for anti-reflux medication.
4. Salagen may be causing an increase in lung secretions and gut motility disturbance, causing excessive swallowing. Try discontinuing it for a while.
5. Visit a Gastroenterologist for further investigations such as endoscopy and esophageal manometry. An abdominal USG (Ultrasound) should be done to rule out hiatus hernia.
6. You may follow up with your test results here.
I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
As below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The normal production of saliva per day is about one to one and a half liters. Hence frequent swallowing is normal during the day. The salivary production decreases in the night while sleeping and we swallow at a much lower frequency.
2. Snoring leads to mouth breathing and dryness in the throat and oral cavity. A sleep study will help check whether sleep apnea is present.
3. The dental problems may be due to the dryness or chronic acid reflux. Get a prescription for anti-reflux medication.
4. Salagen may be causing an increase in lung secretions and gut motility disturbance, causing excessive swallowing. Try discontinuing it for a while.
5. Visit a Gastroenterologist for further investigations such as endoscopy and esophageal manometry. An abdominal USG (Ultrasound) should be done to rule out hiatus hernia.
6. You may follow up with your test results here.
I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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