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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Difficulty In Swallowing Food?

68 yrs old, I ve had swallowing, choking problems for at least 6yrs now. Heimlich- maneuver was done twice. I always think it s any size piece of food or even water or saliva stuck in windpipe!! I struggle for air. From what I just read, it s just me getting older and have several medications and health issues that will now Cause me to drastically change my lifestyle. I feel like a baby . QUESTION IS: Am I wasting my time asking my DOCTOR ABOUT GETTING MY THROAT STRETCHED.?
Wed, 14 Jun 2017
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General Surgeon 's  Response
Hello,

In most cases problem of swallowing food is in esophagus. It means that esophageal muscle doesn’t work well or there is motility disorder. You need to do esophagus contrast study or gastroscopy to evaluate this.

Also, your symptoms may indicate specific condition called hiatal hernia and this means that stomach is protruding through diaphragm muscle. It may cause breathing difficulties, nausea, swallowing difficulties, and irritation of stomach. It will also be aggravated by certain food or medications, stress and smoking. You need to avoid fried food, carbonated drinks, coffee, alcohol and spicy food. You should eat more milk products, vegetables, and boiled food.

Also, certain antacid medications may be required and as last option, it is possible to perform surgical repair of hernia especially, if there are progressive respiratory discomfort and dyspepsia. To diagnose it you should do gastroscopy and if this is negative as in your case then you should do contrast x-rays of stomach.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Ivan R. Rommstein
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What Causes Difficulty In Swallowing Food?

Hello, In most cases problem of swallowing food is in esophagus. It means that esophageal muscle doesn’t work well or there is motility disorder. You need to do esophagus contrast study or gastroscopy to evaluate this. Also, your symptoms may indicate specific condition called hiatal hernia and this means that stomach is protruding through diaphragm muscle. It may cause breathing difficulties, nausea, swallowing difficulties, and irritation of stomach. It will also be aggravated by certain food or medications, stress and smoking. You need to avoid fried food, carbonated drinks, coffee, alcohol and spicy food. You should eat more milk products, vegetables, and boiled food. Also, certain antacid medications may be required and as last option, it is possible to perform surgical repair of hernia especially, if there are progressive respiratory discomfort and dyspepsia. To diagnose it you should do gastroscopy and if this is negative as in your case then you should do contrast x-rays of stomach. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Ivan R. Rommstein