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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Difficulty During Intake Of Food?

i observed that my mother has difficulty putting food into her mouth. Half the food is in her mouth and the other half still dangles outside . She will take a long time swallowing the food that is in her mouth. When she drinks what s in her mouth goes back into the cup (taking medicine for example). What can be wrong? Shrinking of the oesophageos due to old age? She has diabetes and high blood pressure and is taking medication. p.s. could it be parkinson disease also? She has difficulty co-ordinating her upper body and moving her legs when walking. Hence tend to be off balance and fall sometimes if not using a walker.
Sat, 17 Oct 2015
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Cardiologist 's  Response
Hello, I am Dr Mody and I would be addressing your concern.
As the problem is more in one half of mouth ad compared to the other half, and her being diabetic /hypertensive. Most importantly here stroke should be ruled out, particularly if it was sudden in onset or you noticed it over a weak.
A MRI of brain should be offered.
Parkinsonism can cause similar problem, however other Co existing features should be correlated like tremors, rigidity in movement, change in speech and gait.
NO, esophagus doesn't shrink with age
I do suggest you should consult a neurologist, as it's a potentially treatable condition.
Regards Dr Priyank Mody
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What Causes Difficulty During Intake Of Food?

Hello, I am Dr Mody and I would be addressing your concern. As the problem is more in one half of mouth ad compared to the other half, and her being diabetic /hypertensive. Most importantly here stroke should be ruled out, particularly if it was sudden in onset or you noticed it over a weak. A MRI of brain should be offered. Parkinsonism can cause similar problem, however other Co existing features should be correlated like tremors, rigidity in movement, change in speech and gait. NO, esophagus doesn t shrink with age I do suggest you should consult a neurologist, as it s a potentially treatable condition. Regards Dr Priyank Mody