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What Causes Difficulty In Swallowing Liquids?
Question: I have had difficulty swallowing liquids for the last month or so. I can swallow solids easily. I do have gum disease which is being treated in February. I feel I am going to choke on fluids. I take tiny sips and take ages to swallow them. I feel I am getting dehydrated and am feeling really thirsty. This is affecting my life. I just want to be able to drink a full glass of water normally. Email YYYY@YYYY
Brief Answer:
Specialist's examination and investigations
Detailed Answer:
HI.
Difficulty in swallowing liquids alone needs to be investigated thoroughly.
I would advise the following as per your symptoms and probable causes:::
- ENT Check-up to rule out local lesions, To see for any neurological problem on ENT Endoscopy, any problem in the pharynx, Epiglottis and so on.
-Upper GI Endoscopy > helps to rule out problems in the pharynx ( second opinion too) epiglottis, upper esophageal sphincter, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, reflux and all.
-Neurologist's opinion > Neurological disturbance can cause similar problem.
-Barium swallow examination under fluoroscopy control to see see for motility disorder.
Relevant blood, urine tests would be advised.
MRI of the brain and the neck help to rule out any organic lesions in the brain affecting the throat and throat itself.
All the investigations and clinical examinations will lead to a diagnosis. A proper diagnosis alone can lead to a proper plan of treatment.
You can try semisolid diet to tackle the dehydration problem.
I hope this answer helps to get a diagnosis and a plan for a proper treatment.
Please feel free to ask for more if you need to. You may please rate this answer.
Specialist's examination and investigations
Detailed Answer:
HI.
Difficulty in swallowing liquids alone needs to be investigated thoroughly.
I would advise the following as per your symptoms and probable causes:::
- ENT Check-up to rule out local lesions, To see for any neurological problem on ENT Endoscopy, any problem in the pharynx, Epiglottis and so on.
-Upper GI Endoscopy > helps to rule out problems in the pharynx ( second opinion too) epiglottis, upper esophageal sphincter, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, reflux and all.
-Neurologist's opinion > Neurological disturbance can cause similar problem.
-Barium swallow examination under fluoroscopy control to see see for motility disorder.
Relevant blood, urine tests would be advised.
MRI of the brain and the neck help to rule out any organic lesions in the brain affecting the throat and throat itself.
All the investigations and clinical examinations will lead to a diagnosis. A proper diagnosis alone can lead to a proper plan of treatment.
You can try semisolid diet to tackle the dehydration problem.
I hope this answer helps to get a diagnosis and a plan for a proper treatment.
Please feel free to ask for more if you need to. You may please rate this answer.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Answered by
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