Is there a connection between Hypothyroidism and Not being able to swallow normally??

Question

My mom's thyroid all but shut down.Since then she has had problems in swallowing her food and can only eat soft food.She also has a fluid that comes up in her throat after she eats and is unable to swallow this at all...which she has to spit this out..I know this sounds gross but we need help and her doctor doesn't listen to her..thanks for any help or suggestions..

Answer 1

My friend has a goiter that developed from hypothyroidism, and it makes her feel like she's choking sometimes. The thyroid is right near the throat, so if there's a goiter on it, it would seem very likely that there would be problems with swallowing. Your mother's doctor sounds like a moron. Get her to another doctor, preferably one that specializes in thyroid issues. Good luck!

Answer 2

Just so I have a base (although I am not yet an M.D. and obviously, haven't examined your mother nor do I know her extensive medical history), I want to just clarify that it IS HYPOthyroidism that she has and not HYPERthyroidism, right?

Additionally, this difficulty swallowing could be caused by several things and I am wondering if it's entirely possible to know if her thyroid is responsible [err, lacking the responsibility] for comfortable and proper swallowing. I don't intend to sound skeptical, et al; however, I can tell that you are concerned and I would only ask if she takes medication on a regular basis for any condition whatsoever.

As someone who has an under-active thyroid myself, I do know quite a bit about hypothyroidism and I am not rejecting (at all) that there may indeed be a link. Although, upon first consideration of your question the only thought that I had surrounded hyperthyroidism (having a goiter), which could interfere with swallowing.

Let me know about anything I mentioned above so that I can give you a more informed answer...that is, if you're still in need and interested. Sorry to be so long-winded. By chance (as I don't know her age) is your mother taking medication for Osteoporosis prevention?

Hope she feels better soon!

ETA: As the above posters mentioned...she must go to the doctor; one that will be understanding, patient, and reliable. If the problem relates to the digestive system, a Gastroenterologist could help. She may very well need extensive lab tests and her thyroid hormones evaluated, which a reputable Endocrinologist should take care of.

Answer 3

First of all, you need to see another doctor. If yours is too busy to hear you, he will be too busy to double check anything he might have missed in your mom's throat.

A gastroentologist (or something like that), well a doctor focused in the digestive system, could give a nice second opinion. He will check your mom's throat and define if the problem is on the thyroid or on the digestive tract or even in the stomach.

It's common for people with hypothyroidism to have a hard time swallowing. Often pills help to lessen the thyroid's inflammation but in rare cases a surgery is required. The thing that concerns me is the excess of salivation. This needs to be cleared up.

Good Luck

Answer 4

My bet is that they are unrelated. What you describe is probably gastroesophageal reflux; i.e., stomach acid.
When patients have reflux, the sphincter at the top of the esophagus tightens to prevent reflux from the possibility of entering the airway. This makes it difficult to eat anything but soft foods and liquids, as the valve (upper esophageal sphincter) doesn't relax to let the food through to the esophagus.
Most primary care doctors know little or nothing about swallowing disorders. Your best bet is to consult a gastroenterologist or an ENT; they DO know. They will probably order a video swallow study with a speech pathologist and an upper GI series to confirm the suspicion of reflux.
For management of her symptoms, look up "reflux precautions" on Web MD.

Answer 5

Sounds to me like she may have a thyroid nodule,and it also sounds like she needs to switch her doctor.If they will not listen to a patient,then it's time to move on.Nodules are usually completely harmless,although some run the risk of being cancerous,but not many.If it's interfering in swallowing and/or breathing,then it needs to be evaluated.I had over half of my thyroid removed a couple years ago,because of one.If she's having problems swallowing,then obviously something is wrong,and she needs to get a second opinion.Hope it all works out for her.Good luck and God bless.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits low on the front of the neck. Your thyroid lies below your Adam’s apple, along the front of the windpipe. The thyroid has two side lobes, connected by a bridge (isthmus) in the middle. When the thyroid is its normal size, you’re unlikely to be able to feel it.
All types of hyperthyroidism are due to overproduction of thyroid hormones, but the condition can develop in several ways.
Thyroid hormone production can be suppressed or halted completely in these ways: https://tr.im/qD8qW

Answer 8

If the thyroid gland has become enlarged then it can create pressure on the throat.
Is your mother working with an endocrine specialist or a general MD? If she is not seeing an endocrinologist that would be a good idea.

Answer 9

No, it doesn't sound related to the thyroid. Mine's been removed so I'm a bit familiar.
Sounds like advanced acid reflux. The acid reflux can actually damage the valve on the stomach that would allow the fluids to travel back up the esophagus

Answer 10

I Suffer from an underactive thyroid. It was only after going to an ENT specialist that I found out all the answers. It`s the first and best step you can take! Go get the answers that you need! Denis.