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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Why Am I Not Able To Swallow Food Or Speak Through Throat?

Anything I eat sits at the top of my throat, waiting for me to swallow. Then I gag, and have to try again. Most of what I try to swallow winds up in my nasal passages, or it feels like its in my windpipe. I have to make my my portions as tiny as possible, and wash every bite down with a sip; as if I were swallowing a pill. I can t speak normally, because it seems that the barrier between throat and nose has been permanently breached. Here s an example: There was a hair on the couch next to me. Normally, I would just give it a quick puff to scoot it away. Now, because of the breach, I can t blow through my mouth alone, and most of the air comes out through my nose. I couldn t even move the hair. I ve lost 40 lbs in 2 months because of the eating and weakness. I sound like I m developing some sort of internal hair-lip, and even my own saliva makes me gag, so sleeping is also out. Suggestions would be super.
posted on Thu, 11 Jun 2015
Twitter Tue, 16 Jun 2015 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 17 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello dear user!
I have gone carefully through your query and understood your concerns. Thank you for sharing them with us on HCM!

The symptoms you described in you query may be caused by a couple of diseases or conditions which i'm trying to mention below:
- Esophageal spasms or inflammation. It may be due to any infections or strictures of esophagus. Diverticula or sacs in the esophageal walls may be possible too.
- Pharynx and esophagus tumors. Your upper gastroesophageal tract may be affected by any tumor that blocks the food passing way.
- Spinal cord injuries or brain strokes. That is a neurological problem and no organic changes are found in this case.

So to determine the right cause that is responsible for this symptoms I would recommend you to go through a gastroesophageal endoscopy to evaluate you upper digestive tract as soon as possible. Consult your doctor at your healthcare center to do this examination.

I hope everything is going well with your health!
Take care!
DR ERIOL.
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Why Am I Not Able To Swallow Food Or Speak Through Throat?

Hello dear user! I have gone carefully through your query and understood your concerns. Thank you for sharing them with us on HCM! The symptoms you described in you query may be caused by a couple of diseases or conditions which i m trying to mention below: - Esophageal spasms or inflammation. It may be due to any infections or strictures of esophagus. Diverticula or sacs in the esophageal walls may be possible too. - Pharynx and esophagus tumors. Your upper gastroesophageal tract may be affected by any tumor that blocks the food passing way. - Spinal cord injuries or brain strokes. That is a neurological problem and no organic changes are found in this case. So to determine the right cause that is responsible for this symptoms I would recommend you to go through a gastroesophageal endoscopy to evaluate you upper digestive tract as soon as possible. Consult your doctor at your healthcare center to do this examination. I hope everything is going well with your health! Take care! DR ERIOL.