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What Does My Lab Test Report Indicate?

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Posted on Sat, 3 Jun 2017
Question: Hello, I recently had a barium swallow for dysphagia; in my case it presents as food being stuck high up in my throat so I have to wash it down. This has been going on for 6-9 months. The report came back saying: "There is apparent discoordination of swallowing function, resulting in reflux of the barium from the pharynx superiorly, reaching the hard palate and a small amount of barium even reaches the nasopharynx....Large amounts of residue seen in the vallecula requiring multiple swallows." The report said all structures were normal, no significant findings of cervical spondylosis, no Zenker's diverticulum, Cricopharyngeus muscle not hypertrophied. Cervical and thoracic oesophagus fully distensible. No mucosal based abnormality seen in the thoracic oesophagus, no stricture identified, no significant motility abnormality seen in the oesophagus. No hiatal hernia, no demonstrable reflux.
I'm being referred to a speech language pathologist for a detailed swallow analysis, and to a neurologist - which is the part that scares me, especially after seeking out Dr. Google. There is a familial tendency for dysphagia: both my mother and aunt developed choking problems in their 50s. As far as I know, those problems were neither investigated nor treated. I am wondering if there are less frightening possibilities than a neurological cause. Is there such a thing as idiopathic familial dysphagia? I also saw that eosinophilic esophagitis runs in families, especially with lots of allergies, which we do have. Is there anything in the report that rules that out (or makes it a possibility?)
I won't get to see a neurologist for quite a while - in Canada, you wait your turn. This is making me very anxious.
Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (46 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Dysphagia

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare Magic and thanks for putting up the query
You are having dysphagia as the report says but it does not clear that there is no mass or growth. Usually a growth in the esophagous leads to non passage of contrast which is held high up and is even regurgitated. Even if it is a motility disorder, an esophagoscopy is a must.
Motility disorders can be managed medically.
Please get an esophagoscopy done and send me the results so that I can suggest you better.
Also send me barium swallow pictures if possible, it would be helpful to reach a diagnosis.
For the time being take semisolids and drink water while eating.
Avoid curd and citrus things.
Wish you get well soon.
Thanks and regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (44 minutes later)
The ENT said there were no masses or growths.
I'm afraid I don't have access to the barium swallow pictures.
I understand that you don't have enough information for a diagnosis, but my question was: is there such a thing as familial dysphagia? My mind is racing ahead to all the scary possibilities: ALS, MS, Parkinson's, and I'm seeking reassurance that maybe it's just a genetic inheritance. Thank you for the advice on what to eat - and what not to.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Dysphagia

Detailed Answer:
Hi
All the neuromuscular conditions you have mentioned don't have only dysphagia as a presenting complaint. Eosinophilic esiphagitis is a painful condition. In my opinion you should get an esophagoscopy done. Barium swallow is not such a confirmatory test. If it comes out to be normal than we should think of other diagnosis which are comparatively rarer.
Do you have any other muscular weakness?
You are always welcome with any further questions.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Thanks and regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (3 hours later)
Unfortunately, my ENT didn't order an esaphogoscopy, only a detailed swallow analysis at a speech language pathologist and a referral to a neurologist. In Canada, our Medicaid system doesn't allow us to request additional testing. We just have to go with what the specialist recommends.

I don't have any muscle weakness to speak of, though my right side is generally weaker than my right - I know this from the weights I lift at the gym.

Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Dysphagia

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for the follow up query.
As we can't get the investigations done, I assume you to have dysphagia due to esophageal muscle contractions. For this medical management includes drugs in the calcium channel blockers group.Another option if medical therapy fails is botulinum injection. Both of these are only available at prescription. So you have to revisit your ENT SPECIALIST or you can opt for a second opinion if possible.
I hope my advise proves useful for you.
You should continue with the lifestyle measures as mentioned earlier.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Thanks and regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (13 hours later)
Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Dysphagia

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I hope my advise proves useful for you.
You are always welcome with any further questions.
Take care
Thanks and 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. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal

ENT Specialist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 1389 Questions

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What Does My Lab Test Report Indicate?

Brief Answer: Dysphagia Detailed Answer: Hi Welcome to Healthcare Magic and thanks for putting up the query You are having dysphagia as the report says but it does not clear that there is no mass or growth. Usually a growth in the esophagous leads to non passage of contrast which is held high up and is even regurgitated. Even if it is a motility disorder, an esophagoscopy is a must. Motility disorders can be managed medically. Please get an esophagoscopy done and send me the results so that I can suggest you better. Also send me barium swallow pictures if possible, it would be helpful to reach a diagnosis. For the time being take semisolids and drink water while eating. Avoid curd and citrus things. Wish you get well soon. Thanks and regards