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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Remedy For Difficulty In Swallowing

My name is Susan, age 67 with a 46 year history of Myasthenia Gravis. Up until January of 2013, whenever I had a crisis situation, I was evaluated and given a new med and had to wait sometimes 6-12 months to get results. Prior to Jan 13, I began to have difficutly swallowing but the dynamics of this situation were unlike those I had when the MG symptoms reappeared. Neurology sent me to Speech and Language therapy. Video of my swallowing found the problem to be a faulty valve or muscle of the esophagus. Then, I was sent to gastro for endoscopy and ph testing of the acid in my stomach. All were negative. I am also seeing a neurodentist who believes the swallowing problem is related to a misaligned jaw and I have been wearing an appliance for the past four months to keep my jaws lined up properly. I must remove the appliance to eat and chew, but I am still not swallowing with less difficulty with the appliance in or out.What are your thoughts? Blood work is done on a regular basis and there is nothing there to cause great concern.I would greatly appreciate any time you spend looking into this problem as no one I have seen the almost two years has been able to figure out what to do.Thank you in advance.Susan Opp
Thu, 19 Nov 2015
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ENT Specialist 's  Response
Dear Susane,
After going through your history, I believe you have some genuine concern and I will try to help you out of this situation.

At the age of 67 ( And with a history of MG as you said), is is natural that the muscular coordination which soley depends on input from nervous system gets affected. Nervous system gets weakened as age progress and it is not similar in every person. For you the rate of getting weakened might be more than your colleagues of similar age. So nobody it to blame for this.

Now what can be done in this situation. Swallowing is a complex phenomenon and now it needs attention in your case.

Try these small tips, which will definitely help you.

1. Have feed with a spoon and not with bare hand.
2. Your food should be semisolid in consistency.
3. While presenting food to your mouth, press the spoon to the back of the tongue or have a sour liquid ( Lemon juice) first so as to sensitize the pharynx towards food.
4. Do not talk while taking food and give your full attention.


I hope I could solve your query. Please do not hesitate to clarify more doubts for the same situation.

Thank you for the way you are in my life.
Dr Ipsit Panda
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Suggest Remedy For Difficulty In Swallowing

Dear Susane, After going through your history, I believe you have some genuine concern and I will try to help you out of this situation. At the age of 67 ( And with a history of MG as you said), is is natural that the muscular coordination which soley depends on input from nervous system gets affected. Nervous system gets weakened as age progress and it is not similar in every person. For you the rate of getting weakened might be more than your colleagues of similar age. So nobody it to blame for this. Now what can be done in this situation. Swallowing is a complex phenomenon and now it needs attention in your case. Try these small tips, which will definitely help you. 1. Have feed with a spoon and not with bare hand. 2. Your food should be semisolid in consistency. 3. While presenting food to your mouth, press the spoon to the back of the tongue or have a sour liquid ( Lemon juice) first so as to sensitize the pharynx towards food. 4. Do not talk while taking food and give your full attention. I hope I could solve your query. Please do not hesitate to clarify more doubts for the same situation. Thank you for the way you are in my life. Dr Ipsit Panda