What Does My Lab Test Report Indicate?
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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