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What Causes Difficulty Swallowing?

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Posted on Mon, 8 Dec 2014
Question: Seen ENT twice
Been scoped twice
Been on proton inhibitors for a month
Sensation of difficulty swallowing
Food getting caught in back of throat
Easy to clear throat and bring back up a little food
Often seems easy to swallow, except dry breads and certain meats seem like they get stuck in esophagus. Told by ENT probably GERD, but no reflux I can trace
2nd ENT says Post Nasaal Drip and associated symptoms
Both say not esophageal cancer although I am very worried as it seems to feel like food is moving very slow or greeting caught up in esophagus
I'm 46, no drinking or smoking except pot. Really don't want barium swallow as I've had CT scans before. Also worried about esophascope complications. Not losing weight
Eating a lot to test if I'm having problems. Started 1.5 mos ago with sore throat, choking like food down wrong tube often, trouble swallowing
Like yesterday no problem , today major problems
What test can I do and does this sound like esophageal cancer?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It is not esophageal cancer

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.

You do not have esophageal cancer. You have had endoscopy done twice and no cancer was found.

You complain of difficulty in swallowing/something stuck in the throat.
There are two possibilities -
1. Laryngopharyngeal reflux
2. Motility disorder of esophagus.

I would suggest the following tests for you.
1. 24 hours pH monitoring test
2. Esophageal manometry.

These two tests would provide clue to what problem you have.

I hope that answers your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (26 minutes later)
Nothing but trans nasal scope to vocal cords
Normal
Little mucus
Barium swallow ordered at my request for piece of mind
But read about radiation exposure and have had enough CTs
No endoscopy yet
My GI thought Gerd 1.5 months ago but no improvement
Maybe worse
Very anxious
Chances it's esphogeal cancer?
Food and drink go down wrong tube and do a little choke
No weight loss
No real pain
Mostly feel like food getting stopped up or slowed in esphogus like a slowing of traffic
Really scared to know more and scared to take either test
Could I be creating issues hypochondriacal somatically?
I drink a lot of tea
Smoked pot everyday till this started
Eat well enough except dry breads, bagels, croissants hard to go down
Liquids, softer foods, fruits, no problem
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Esophageal cancer unlikely

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Esophageal cancer is unlikely.
If you are very much worried you can have an upper GI endoscopy done.
If there is no improvement of GERD symptoms you can get a 24 hours pH monitoring test done as suggested already.

I hope that answers your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 2215 Questions

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What Causes Difficulty Swallowing?

Brief Answer: It is not esophageal cancer Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for posting your query. I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you. You do not have esophageal cancer. You have had endoscopy done twice and no cancer was found. You complain of difficulty in swallowing/something stuck in the throat. There are two possibilities - 1. Laryngopharyngeal reflux 2. Motility disorder of esophagus. I would suggest the following tests for you. 1. 24 hours pH monitoring test 2. Esophageal manometry. These two tests would provide clue to what problem you have. I hope that answers your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr.R.K.