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What Causes Difficulty In Swallowing In An Elderly Person?
My father is 81 years old. My stepmother went into a nursing home 8 months ago and he has been declining in health since then. First depression, we have been taking him to the doctor each month (he is taking Abilify & Trazadone) Now he is extremely weak, having trouble with his balance & is having trouble chewing & swallowing. Today he is eating coleslaw & having trouble. What could cause the trouble eating? He can swallow liquids ok.
Thu, 10 May 2018
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Difficulties in swallowing in an older age may have different diseases like a new neurological problem, an esophageal tumor, after drinking toxic liquids that burn the esophagus, anemia etcetera. Having no problems with liquids at the moment may have the progressive process of achalasia. This is a sign of esophageal tumors.
I recommend you to go to the hospital, get a routine blood test done and at first an X-ray with the contrast of the esophagus. These will show if there is a narrow in the lumen of the esophagus or not. This is to rule out or to see if esophageal problems have to do with that condition.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Anila Skenderi
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Difficulties in swallowing in an older age may have different diseases like a new neurological problem, an esophageal tumor, after drinking toxic liquids that burn the esophagus, anemia etcetera. Having no problems with liquids at the moment may have the progressive process of achalasia. This is a sign of esophageal tumors.
I recommend you to go to the hospital, get a routine blood test done and at first an X-ray with the contrast of the esophagus. These will show if there is a narrow in the lumen of the esophagus or not. This is to rule out or to see if esophageal problems have to do with that condition.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Anila Skenderi
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