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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, Swollen Tongue And Throat?

Hi, I ve been experiencing something odd recently, which is becoming more frequently lately and symptons are getting worse. Half my tongue swells up, not always the same side either. Its getting worse, now, my throat swells as well, almost down to my collar bone. Also having difficulty swallowing and tasting things. Usually happens during the night and recently been waking me up as I m dribbling and coughing. Today it happened early evening, I took two spoonfuls of an over the counter anti histamine, but this hasn t helped either. Any idea whats causing this.
Fri, 29 May 2015
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi Dear ,

Welcome to HCM.

Understanding your concern.

Thanks for your query . The symptoms you mention in query are clearly pointing towards a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) .In which the lower sphincter of esophagus become weak and allow the acidic food come back to the esophagus , which causes symptoms like heart burn ,sore throat and tongue , difficulty in swallowing ,dry cough and hoarseness of voice .

As you are experiencing cough and dribbling it seams to me that your GERD is associated with hiatal hernia. Well simply change in lifestyle and eating habit can cure GERD ,if the problem is severe then it need to be treated with medicine .

I would suggest you to consult gastroentrologist for proper examination and to rule out other conditions . Doctor will take history and may order X-ray , endoscopy and test to find out amount of acid in esophagus for perfect diagnosis .

Doctor may prescribe antacids (maalox), H2 blockers (renitidine) and omeprazole .

For nor start avoiding acidic/spicy food/drinks specially at night, try to eat very light at night, avoid alcohol, do warm saline gargles,take ibuprofen (if not allergic)for pain and inflammation and take aloe vera juice which is very effective in this case.

Hope your concern has been resolved.

Please write a review about your experience with me and do click at i find this answer helpful if its valuable for you.

Get Well Soon.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
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What Causes Difficulty In Swallowing, Swollen Tongue And Throat?

Hi Dear , Welcome to HCM. Understanding your concern. Thanks for your query . The symptoms you mention in query are clearly pointing towards a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) .In which the lower sphincter of esophagus become weak and allow the acidic food come back to the esophagus , which causes symptoms like heart burn ,sore throat and tongue , difficulty in swallowing ,dry cough and hoarseness of voice . As you are experiencing cough and dribbling it seams to me that your GERD is associated with hiatal hernia. Well simply change in lifestyle and eating habit can cure GERD ,if the problem is severe then it need to be treated with medicine . I would suggest you to consult gastroentrologist for proper examination and to rule out other conditions . Doctor will take history and may order X-ray , endoscopy and test to find out amount of acid in esophagus for perfect diagnosis . Doctor may prescribe antacids (maalox), H2 blockers (renitidine) and omeprazole . For nor start avoiding acidic/spicy food/drinks specially at night, try to eat very light at night, avoid alcohol, do warm saline gargles,take ibuprofen (if not allergic)for pain and inflammation and take aloe vera juice which is very effective in this case. Hope your concern has been resolved. Please write a review about your experience with me and do click at i find this answer helpful if its valuable for you. Get Well Soon. Best Wishes, Dr. Harry Maheshwari