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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 While In Supine Position?

HI, I am a healthy 40 year old, The last 2 night when I go to bed i feel like I can t swallow at times. It only happens when I am in bed. when it happens I take a drink of water and it goes away. I do have GERD but never had this happen before. I am starting to get scared that if i fall asleep I will die
Thu, 16 Apr 2020
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello,

* As per my surgical experience, the difficulty in swallowing with supine position indicates flare up of underlying GERD.

* It is the reflux of stomach acid which makes the lower end of esophagus irritated and reflexly effects of swallowing difficulties.

Underlying anxiety and stress exacerbate the issue via vagus reflex. My guidelines at present

- drink more liquids in sessions
- prefer bland, vegan diet
- avoid all sort of spices, non veg, dairy fat
- avoid late night dinner

- chew your food very thoroughly
- consume 70 % of satiety value during each meal
- go for frequent , small meals
- keep the head end of bed elevated for 45 degree level
- avoid stress and anxiety
- avoid smoking and alcohol if consuming
- continue your GERD therapy
- avoid any pain killer or NSAID tablets
- meditations and relaxation techniques.

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

Take care

Regards,
Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel
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What Causes Difficulty In Swallowing While In Supine Position?

Hello, * As per my surgical experience, the difficulty in swallowing with supine position indicates flare up of underlying GERD. * It is the reflux of stomach acid which makes the lower end of esophagus irritated and reflexly effects of swallowing difficulties. Underlying anxiety and stress exacerbate the issue via vagus reflex. My guidelines at present - drink more liquids in sessions - prefer bland, vegan diet - avoid all sort of spices, non veg, dairy fat - avoid late night dinner - chew your food very thoroughly - consume 70 % of satiety value during each meal - go for frequent , small meals - keep the head end of bed elevated for 45 degree level - avoid stress and anxiety - avoid smoking and alcohol if consuming - continue your GERD therapy - avoid any pain killer or NSAID tablets - meditations and relaxation techniques. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel