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Why Do I Feel Something Is Blocking My Throat?

Posted on Thu, 10 Apr 2014

Question: Hi Iwas diagnosed with MS XXXXXXX 2012 , mild form, I recently have a feeling go my throat been full or something there blocking it, I thought it might be a lump, Iwent to the GP and he checked it and said he could not see anything, I told him I have MS and he thinks its related to MS,my question is , is it a symptom ?and what can i do or is it going to get worse?

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: Difficulty in swallowing can be managed Detailed Answer: Hi, I have gone through your query. Based on the description and if the GP is unable to find a lump, the symptom can be described as Dysphagia, or difficulty in swallowing. Yes it can occur among people with multiple sclerosis. While more frequent in advanced disease, it can occur at any stage. It has a variable course with ups and downs. The person with multiple sclerosis may cough after drinking liquids, or choke while eating certain foods, particularly those with crumbly textures. When this kind of coughing or choking occurs, the food or liquids are inhaled into the windpipe instead of going down the esophagus and into the stomach. This may lead to infection. Because the food or drink is not reaching the stomach, a person may also be at risk for malnutrition or dehydration. A person can also inhale small amounts of food or liquids without being aware of it. This is called Haliciz. As far diagnosis is concerned it is diagnosed by a special imaging procedure called a modified barium swallow (videofluoroscopy) is used to evaluate a person’s ability to chew and swallow. The precise location and manner of a swallowing defect can then be identified, and treatment prescribed. A speech/language pathologist is the professional who diagnoses and treats dysphasia. Treatment typically consists of strategies for safer eating and swallowing, dietary changes, exercises or stimulation designed to improve swallowing. Take care and wish you good health .If you have any further query, i shall be glad to answer them. Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (19 hours later)

Hi, thank you for your reply,but I don't have difficulty in swallowing at all , its mor e a feeling of something down at the bottom or back of throat, it does not hurt but its something that has been there for the past three months or so that was never there before. is there a direct releation to this and MS? I don't cough or choke ever when eating or drinking so iI don't think its Dysphagia. With Thanks XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (8 hours later)

Brief Answer: Endoscopy may be required Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX It’s nice to see you again. After the discussion we had , there are two possibility regarding your problem- 1.Neuromuscular incoordination or malfunction of muscles in the throat region - the obvious cause may be multiple sclerosis ,giving a feel of something obstructing the throat. 2 .Physical obstruction as in a case of growth (tumour) in the throat region. My advice would be please have a endoscopic examination of throat region to rule out any growth (physical obstruction). Take care Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E