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What Causes Liquid To Go Down The Wrong Way While Swallowing?

Posted on Sat, 31 May 2014

Question: I had a barium swallow test which revealed some of the liquid is going the wrong way. What caused me to want the test in the first place is the speratic feeling of having to clear my throat. I also burp after I consume any quantity of liquid, including water.
First question: What could be wrong nuerologically to cause the liquid gojng down the wrong way?
Second question: Why do I burp after after drink of liquid?
Thank you

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Burping due to increased relaxation of sphincter

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day

Some individuals have increased relaxation of lower Oesophageal sphincter( there is a physiological valve at the junction of oesophagus and stomach preventing reflux of stomach contents back into the the oesophagus) this causes expulsion of gases after every feeds or drink. In absence of other symptoms like burning pain in chest, nausea or vomiting there appears to be no cause for concern.

It would be helpful if you could get back to me with detailed reporrt of Barium swallow and if possible provide me with images.

In case you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.

Wishing you happy and healthy life

Take Care

Best Regards
Dr T Shobha Deepak
MBBS,MD

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

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (5 minutes later)

Just wondering if the liquid going "the wrong way" is seriuos? Is it possible this could be a minor problem. I fear its ALS. :(

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It could be reflux

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Greetings
It could definitely be minore problem , more likely to be gastro-oesophageal reflux. The stomach contents refluxing back into oesophagus(going wrong way).
Following are the factors predisposing to it
1. Stress
2. Increased intake of caffienated/carbonated bevrages
3. Consumption of alcohol

Avoiding the above will be helpful. It would be more helpful if you could provide the report .

Take CAre

Best Regards
Dr T Shobha

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

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (9 minutes later)

Is it possible to have reflux without any burning sensation or other pain the the stomach or chest? The sensation in the back of my throat feels like I have to continually clear it (feels dry). Its independent of my eating schedule or what I drink (even water/non carbinated).

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Could be due to reflux

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Greetings
Reflux could also cause frequent clearing of throat and it may not be associated with pain in chest or stomach.
Your symptoms definitely suggest the likelihood of reflux. Antacid like Pantoprozole + Domperidone will be helpful.

Take Care

Regards
Dr T Shobha

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

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (8 minutes later)

Could that also explain swallowing food/liquid inproperly? (Down the wrong way as I mentioned before?)

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It could be reflux induced

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Greetings

Reflux can cause Oesophagitis. If this is long standing it could present with various motility disorders. Diet advise as well as pharmacotherapy as advised earlier will provide much needed relief.

Take care

Best Regards
Dr T Shobha Deepak

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

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (1 hour later)

Tooth/Jaw pain can also be caused by this??

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Acid reflux may predispose to dental carries

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Greetings

Acid reflux may cause erosion of teeth and cause dental carries which could cause tooth ache. But it's unlikely for it to cause jaw pain.
I hope it helped
In case you require any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.

Take care
Best Regards
Dr T Shobha Deepak

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

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