Throat Problems?

Question

Can anyone help? My bf has been having throat problems since October last year. He sometimes feels as though his throat is closing up and finds it difficult swallowing. He went to his GP and he was given depression tablets without an examination! So he decided to go to A&E and see if a doc could help. They did tests on him and they all came back clear. They then referred all his info back to his GP who was not happy that he went over his head and told him that he was no longer welcome at the surgery. He's enrolling with another surgery but has to wait 2 weeks before he is on their books. I hate seeing him like this and knowing there is nothing I can do. It eventually subsided and has now came back again. The whole time he had problems swallowing he didn't eat anything for 21 days. I am concerned. I would be grateful if anyone could give me an opinion on what they think thats causing this, your help will be appreciated.

im not sure if its food allergies, I have noticed that he's had a few eggs in the past fortnight or so, anyone with experiences would really help

Answer 1

Swallowing Disorders
Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) is common among all age groups, especially the elderly. The term dysphagia refers to the feeling of difficulty passing food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach. This may be caused by many factors, most of which are temporary and not threatening. Difficulties in swallowing rarely represent a more serious disease, such as a tumor or a progressive neurological disorder. When the difficulty does not clear up by itself in a short period of time, you should see an otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeon.


How You Swallow
People normally swallow hundreds of times a day to eat solids, drink liquids, and swallow the normal saliva and mucus that the body produces. The process of swallowing has four stages:

The first is oral preparation, where food or liquid is manipulated and chewed in preparation for swallowing.

During the oral stage, the tongue propels the food or liquid to the back of the mouth, starting the swallowing response.
The pharyngeal stage begins as food or liquid is quickly passed through the pharynx, the canal that connects the mouth with the esophagus, into the esophagus or swallowing tube.
In the final, esophageal stage, the food or liquid passes through the esophagus into the stomach.
Although the first and second stages have some voluntary control, stages three and four occur by themselves, without conscious input.


What Causes Swallowing Disorders?
Any interruption in the swallowing process can cause difficulties. It may be due to simple causes such as poor teeth, ill fitting dentures, or a common cold. One of the most common causes of dysphagia is gastroesophageal reflux. This occurs when stomach acid moves up the esophagus to the pharynx, causing discomfort. Other causes may include: stroke; progressive neurologic disorder; the presence of a tracheostomy tube; a paralyzed or unmoving vocal cord; a tumor in the mouth, throat, or esophagus; or surgery in the head, neck, or esophageal areas.


Symptoms Of Swallowing Disorders
Symptoms of swallowing disorders may include:

drooling;
a feeling that food or liquid is sticking in the throat;
discomfort in the throat or chest (when gastroesophageal reflux is present);
a sensation of a foreign body or "lump" in the throat;
weight loss and inadequate nutrition due to prolonged or more significant problems with swallowing; and
coughing or choking caused by bits of food, liquid, or saliva not passing easily during swallowing, and being sucked into the lungs.

Who Evaluates And Treats Swallowing Disorders?
When dysphagia is persistent and the cause is not apparent, the otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeon will discuss the history of your problem and examine your mouth and throat. This may be done with the aid of mirrors or a small tube (flexible laryngoscope), which provides vision of the back of the tongue, throat, and larynx (voice box). If necessary, an examination of the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine (duodenum) may be carried out by the otolaryngologist or a gastroenterologist. These specialists may recommend X-rays of the swallowing mechanism, called a barium swallow or upper G-I, which is done by a radiologist.

If special problems exist, a speech pathologist may consult with the radiologist regarding a modified barium swallow or videofluroscopy. These help to identify all four stages of the swallowing process. Using different consistencies of food and liquid, and having the patient swallow in various positions, a speech pathologist will test the ability to swallow. An exam by a neurologist may be necessary if the swallowing disorder stems from the nervous system, perhaps due to stroke or other neurologic disorders.


Possible Treatments For Swallowing Disorders
Many of these disorders can be treated with medication. Drugs that slow stomach acid production, muscle relaxants, and antacids are a few of the many medicines available. Treatment is tailored to the particular cause of the swallowing disorder.

Gastroesophageal reflux can often be treated by changing eating and living habits, for example:

eat a bland diet with smaller, more frequent meals;
eliminate alcohol and caffeine;
reduce weight and stress;
avoid food within three hours of bedtime; and
elevate the head of the bed at night.
If these don't help, antacids between meals and at bedtime may provide relief.

Many swallowing disorders may be helped by direct swallowing therapy. A speech pathologist can provide special exercises for coordinating the swallowing muscles or restimulating the nerves that trigger the swallow reflex. Patients may also be taught simple ways to place food in the mouth or position the body and head to help the swallow occur successfully.

Some patients with swallowing disorders have difficulty feeding themselves. An occupational therapist can aid the patient and family in feeding techniques. These techniques make the patient as independent as possible. A dietician or nutritional expert can determine the amount of food or liquid necessary to sustain an individual and whether supplements are necessary.

Once the cause is determined, swallowing disorders may be treated with:

medication
swallowing therapy
surgery
Surgery is used to treat certain problems. If a narrowing or stricture exists, the area may need to be stretched or dilated. If a muscle is too tight, it may need to be dilated or released surgically. This procedure is called a myotomy and is performed by an otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeon.

Many causes contribute to swallowing disorders. If you have a persistent problem swallowing, see an otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeon.

Answer 2

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RE:
Throat Problems?
Can anyone help? My bf has been having throat problems since October last year. He sometimes feels as though his throat is closing up and finds it difficult swallowing. He went to his GP and he was given depression tablets without an examination! So he decided to go to A&E and see if a doc...

Answer 3

Sounds like he could be having an allergic reaction. Have him keep a journal of the foods and beverages he consumes. From personal experience, my sinuses will drain down my throat and make it red and very sore. It is difficult to eat or drink during these times. Warm tea or lemon juice is very soothing for me. Cold drinks only cause more discomfort. If your boyfriend is not satisfied with the answers he has gotten from his care providers, he should go somewhere else for a second opinion. Persistence will eventually pay off, as long as he keeps in mind that pain and swelling are not normal and in some cases could be symptoms of something very serious.

Answer 4

Well.. just straining on your voice could be making it sore and cause you to lose your voice a little. I have a lot of nose and throat problems and I was told once to gargle with plain white vinegar to help with the 'graverly' and it actually helped. I hope this helps.

Answer 5

My thought was maybe food allergies as well. I would definitely take him back to A&E to let them know that you guys are concerned because of how long this has gone on. As for the other surgery I would recommend calling to find out if they offer a cancellation list like they do for drs here in the U.S. and let them know that you would like to have him try to come in sooner for this issue because of how long he has had this.

Answer 6

It can be a number of things and guessing is never a good idea, if he isn't eating he must be in a hospital so he can be properly monitored and make sure his fluids are okay, my dad has asofocus problems which is a smaller tube down to your stomach??? Either way try to find out more!

Answer 7

Report him to the police. If he has been give a medication from his GP then he should atleast been examined! If this continues take him to the hospital as they dont mess around.

Answer 8

May be your bf have infectous virus in his throats. Try to watch his diet, eat more green Vegetable and drink more water. Actually, this may help him, tey take spirulina, drink pure water with AO oxygen/max, Dr Xeniji, IG6 and Guasa. Email to me if you like to know more. Hope I can help you.

Answer 9

tonsillitis? or swelling of the epiglotis due to infection? its hard to say without seeing first-hand
I assume the doc's must have tested for everything that it could be..
Another thing it could be is psychological, if they couldn't find anything physically wrong.
I can't think of anything else, sorry..

Answer 10

better to trust your doc if all tests are clear.