HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Gagging While Having Food?

I am gagging in the morning' having a hard time eating! I can only take a few bites without gagging or spitting it out ! I do not have an eating disorder! I 44 and actually have struggled with my weight my whole life!! Just super worried with what is going on? I have never experienced this! I have barely been able to eat since May which is 3 months ago! Afraid to go to the dr! I am losing weight everywhere except for my stomach!! Afraid there is a problem! I am a female!
Mon, 6 Nov 2017
Report Abuse
Ayurveda Specialist 's  Response
**
Thanks for contacting with your health concern

1. After going through your symptoms there is the presence of swallowing disorder [dysphagia] due to which you are having the problem with eating for which a consultation with a Gastroenterologist is of utmost important [even if you are afraid] since you have unintentional weight loss, gagging/choking during eating.

2. the cause could range from movement disorder of esophagus [esophageal spasm, achalasia], GERD, gastric ulcer, neurogenerative disorder [Parkinson], along with neuromuscular disorder like myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis

PS. check with the exhaustive list with your attending physician.

3. keep in mind that since you are not been able to eat, it will result in:
- dehydration
- poor health due to inadequate nutrition [malnutrition]
- risk of fluid/food entering the trachea and may cause pneumonia.

4. If pain and dysphagia do not subside refer for oesophagoscopy and barium swallow, upper GI endoscopy and if investigations confirm there is definite and progressive obstruction then refer for urgent indirect laryngoscopy.

5. There are various treatment of swallowing disorders ranging from dietary and lifestyle modifications to Medications & Surgery. Your doctor will recommend the best treatment for you depending on what causes your disorder and symptoms, till then:

- bland and soft diet, more of milk
- avoid hot drinks and spicy food
- do not lie down immediately after food. take small, nonbulky meals.
- head high position at night.
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Gagging While Having Food?

** Thanks for contacting with your health concern 1. After going through your symptoms there is the presence of swallowing disorder [dysphagia] due to which you are having the problem with eating for which a consultation with a Gastroenterologist is of utmost important [even if you are afraid] since you have unintentional weight loss, gagging/choking during eating. 2. the cause could range from movement disorder of esophagus [esophageal spasm, achalasia], GERD, gastric ulcer, neurogenerative disorder [Parkinson], along with neuromuscular disorder like myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis PS. check with the exhaustive list with your attending physician. 3. keep in mind that since you are not been able to eat, it will result in: - dehydration - poor health due to inadequate nutrition [malnutrition] - risk of fluid/food entering the trachea and may cause pneumonia. 4. If pain and dysphagia do not subside refer for oesophagoscopy and barium swallow, upper GI endoscopy and if investigations confirm there is definite and progressive obstruction then refer for urgent indirect laryngoscopy. 5. There are various treatment of swallowing disorders ranging from dietary and lifestyle modifications to Medications & Surgery. Your doctor will recommend the best treatment for you depending on what causes your disorder and symptoms, till then: - bland and soft diet, more of milk - avoid hot drinks and spicy food - do not lie down immediately after food. take small, nonbulky meals. - head high position at night.