Any GPs here? DH can't swallow. What to expect at appt tomorrow?

[HisNameIsRedwing]

Planning to phone the GP first thing tomorrow as DH (45) is struggling to swallow. It came on suddenly half way during dinner yesterday evening (24 hours ago) - he said he felt like he was choking whenever he tried to swallow anything and he hasn't had anything other than a small amount of ice cream and regular sips of squash since then. Worryingly, he says he's not feeling particularly hungry either.

He said he's had similar, but not so severe, symptoms a couple of times in the last 2 weeks. A couple of years ago he had a lot of acid reflux, which was diagnosed as being related to a hernia. Otherwise he is very fit and healthy, doesn't smoke and isn't overweight.

My own dad dies of cancer of the oesophagus a few years ago, which started the same way, so we're feeling a little anxious, though obviously we're not panicking as we also know it might be something much less serious. However, in my dad's case, it took a few months to get a diagnosis, by which time it was too late to operate, so I'm not complacent either.

Are there any GPs out there who can tell me what we should expect to happen when DH sees the doctor tomorrow? What tests will they run? Will he be automatically referred for cancer screening as a precaution?

I'd suggest you don't wait but phone 111 now.

Surely he can't have eaten or drank anything for while so ring 111 or A And E

I'd get him to a&e asap. My uncle had a minor stroke and an inability to swallow was the only remaining symptom after. Not trying to scare you but I would get it checked out just in case!

Also if you want to talk to a medical professional I would phone 111.

If he genuinely can’t swallow I would go to A&E.

I agree with PP, I wouldn’t wait until tomorrow. His airways could be compromised if it’s something acute that is worsening. Also sadly have the experience of throat cancer in a family member, who went to A&E on an evening and was called back the next day despite it being a weekend.

Really wouldn’t wait until tomorrow just incase.

When i saw for my GP for something similar when I was late 30's ( and a smoker) he immediately phoned the hospital and within half an hour I was in A&E being met by a team of people who rushed me through to Xray. From there I was taken for a nasendoscopy ( sounds awful actually not too horrific)
I had told the GP that I thought I'd scratched my throat on a prawn skin that seemed to get lodged there, I'd coughed so much I'd vomited and there had been some fresh blood. I went to sleep and woke unable to swallow even saliva, it was most scary
Anyway, all the tests confirmed I'd scratched my throat only

PS I made a full recovery within a few days

Ring 111. I hope it turns out to be nothing serious.

It’s probably absolutely nothing worrying, tonsilllits is often like this and I have had the same symptoms many times! However if DH genuinely cannot swallow i’d be calling out of hours dr or 111.

Not a GP but a nurse. If it came on suddenly while he was eating dinner, he might have a bit of food stuck in his food pipe (more common than you'd think). What was he eating? If he geniuenly can't swallow anything solid, I'd ring 111/be tempted to take him to A&E now personally. He needs to have a gastroscopy (camera test of his food pipe and stomach) to have a look at what's going on. Plus over time acid reflux can cause your food pipe to get inflamed and narrow, so increases his chances of food getting stuck there. Hope you get it sorted x

I'd definitely call 111, they'll be able to advise you if should wait or not. Good luck

This happened to me when eating steak (after years of reflux that I ignored )

I was admitted, given a muscle relaxant injection and an x-ray to check there was no food still there, then sent home with many many Omeprazole.

I feel for him, it's a scary feeling. You'd be better going to a&e I think, once the muscle is in spasm you need treatment.

It's never happened since I started taking the right medication.

A&E.

He needs fluids of some sort, especially in this heat.

Get medical help asap. Sooner seen, sooner treated.

Sorry about your dad. My mother has that at the moment, not a pleasant disease.

I also think you need to call 111 and see if he needs seen sooner.

He should be referred for an endoscopy as an urgent case.

If he really cant swallow. He needs to be seen asap. (Emergency NP here!).
Contact your neartest ooh or go to a and e.

Is his throat sore, this happens with Quinsy, the throat closes up,but i would at least ring 111

As mentioned previously this can be a sign of a stroke

Some years ago I nursed a fit late 40’s chap and this was his only symptom, he had to everyone’s surprise had a small stroke

Please ring 111 or go to A&E, if it is a stroke you’re missing the vital hours for early treatment

I agree. I'm not a medical professional but I've also heard it could be sign of a stroke. Please phone 111 or take him to A&E.

Is he able to swallow his saliva?

What did you have for dinner ?

I only ask because I have an allergy to fish and the symptoms are similar to what you describe. (It doesn't have to have been fish he's eaten - allergies to lots of food stuffs can cause swelling in the throat)

But I agree with others, go to a and e sounds as if his airway is restricted.

Forget 111 just get him to A and E.

Just joining the chorus of people saying seek medical advice today.

If he cannot swallow and/or is choking he is at risk of aspiration (getting stuff down his lung leading to really nasty pneumonias at times) and if it is hot where you are ( from not-so-sunny Scotland) he may need some iv fluids.

Good luck.
I hope the cause won't be anything nasty