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What Causes Difficulty In Swallowing Liquids?
Question: Often when drinking liquids I get them into my "wind pipe" which causes me coughing until the liquid is gone. This seems to be happening more & more frequently. Can you give me any ideas on what may be causing this?
Brief Answer:
Most likely a neurological or oesophageal motility disorder.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Difficulty in swallowing liquids is usually seen with neurological disorders and some benign oesophageal (food pipe) problems (as compared to difficulty in swallowing solid food as seen with tumours).
2. A Neurologist's opinion must be sought. An ENT and a Gastroenterologist's opinion may also be taken. A chest X-ray should be done.
3. Thicken the liquids and check if the problem persists. The first thickened feeds should be carefully monitored. Different swallowing and head, neck posture strategies can help swallowing.
4. FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) and FEESST (Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing with Sensory Testing) is possible in a Swallowing Lab.
I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Most likely a neurological or oesophageal motility disorder.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Difficulty in swallowing liquids is usually seen with neurological disorders and some benign oesophageal (food pipe) problems (as compared to difficulty in swallowing solid food as seen with tumours).
2. A Neurologist's opinion must be sought. An ENT and a Gastroenterologist's opinion may also be taken. A chest X-ray should be done.
3. Thicken the liquids and check if the problem persists. The first thickened feeds should be carefully monitored. Different swallowing and head, neck posture strategies can help swallowing.
4. FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) and FEESST (Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing with Sensory Testing) is possible in a Swallowing Lab.
I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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