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Original poster

Not being able to swallow properly

17 replies

Clacketyclick · 12/09/2021 12:33

Could there be any other reason apart from worse case scenarios for not being able to swallow food properly and it getting ‘stuck’? It’s been happening to my partner for a few weeks now. Being referred within 2 weeks but panicking and stressing massively. Thank you.

OP posts:
HollowTalk · 12/09/2021 12:34

Is it happening all the time? Does he have a problem with reflux?

Original poster
Clacketyclick · 12/09/2021 12:39

I think not all the time but frequently. Has suffered from reflux and hiatus hernia in the past. Thank you for replying, my mind is running away with me.

OP posts:
Akire · 12/09/2021 12:41

There are conditions where throat can narrow and needs small op to sort. Reflux or hernia can feel like stuck and like there is a lump in throat and need swollen 3/4 times get something down. But her is is at bottom of gullet and pushing up it can feel like higher up as you swallow. They be able do basic test and see what’s happening.

Original poster
Clacketyclick · 12/09/2021 12:43

If it was reflux or hernia causing it, would it feel like heartburn? as he doesn’t have any symptoms at all with it, thank you.

OP posts:
WitchBaby · 12/09/2021 12:44

Iron deficiency can cause it. What's his diet like?

Akire · 12/09/2021 12:46

My hernia and reflux felt like lump at top
Of throat no heartburn. So swallow 3/4 times and feel it going down but like stuck. They explained the hernia is pushing up at bottom but the nerves make it feel like it’s hard lump and can’t swallow.

On actual test all working fine even though feels really uncomfortable. It did get better on own and reflux meds helped.

Original poster
Clacketyclick · 12/09/2021 12:47

Diet wise he is very good and very slim. The suggestions you are all giving me is helping that there are other conditions it could be. MIL and friend’s mum bothered died of oesophageal cancer so in my head that’s what I am convinced it is.

OP posts:
Original poster
Clacketyclick · 12/09/2021 12:51

@Akire thank you for your comments, that’s good to hear. I am glad it wasn’t anything more serious for you.

OP posts:
TheRealReviewer · 12/09/2021 15:01

I get this sometimes, but with me it’s like I forget how to swallow and I choke on my food, Iv been told it’s anxiety related ❤️

SeaToSki · 12/09/2021 15:13

My DS (aged 21] just had this, he is fit and strong. He said it felt like his throat muscles had just forgotten how to swallow.

He saw a ENT consultant who had a good look around with a scope for physical obstructions etc and there werent any.

Consultant said he had a bout of reflux that had likely massively irritated the lining of the oesophagus and back of the throat. The muscles would just be in spasm as a result and since your muscles need to relax as part of swallowing it made it difficult to swallow. DS was given omeprazole for 3 weeks to be taken in the evening (as most likely the damage was occurring overnight and told to come back if it didnt improve. It completely resolved and DS slowly weaned down the omeprazole and now doesnt take it at all.

I separately also had DS sleeping propped up on a couple of pillows to get gravity to help too and he has continued with that.

SeaToSki · 12/09/2021 15:14

Oh and DS had absolutely no heartburn symptoms at all, and you can buy omeprazole over the counter if you wanted to trial it yourselves, but if you can get a doctors visit, that would be much better..I just know they are like hens teeth atm

Bagelsandbrie · 12/09/2021 15:16

Sjorgens syndrome? Have a google.

kissmelittleass · 12/09/2021 21:09

I had trouble swallowing felt like food got stuck in my chest it really hurt but I also had heartburn and a lot of night time reflux and a gastroscopy showed I had mild gastritis and oesophageal candida.
Could be candida as that was what the swallowing issue was with me I think.

quinin · 14/09/2021 10:11

I had problems swallowing and it was oesophageal cancer. I'm 44 and had no other symptoms. Just glad he is has been referred. I was misdiagnosed for weeks so please make sure he is not fobbed off with PPI's if swallowing is an issue you need a solid reason why. Bread and meat were especially difficult to swallow which is common so I am told. Wishing you all the best Thanks

Tal45 · 14/09/2021 10:20

I've had the anxiety related sort where you just feel like there's something in your throat - it's psychosomatic but feels as real as anything else.

Tal45 · 14/09/2021 10:21

@Tal45

I've had the anxiety related sort where you just feel like there's something in your throat - it's psychosomatic but feels as real as anything else.
It wasn't just when eating though, it was continual.
vivainsomnia · 14/09/2021 12:33

Another possibility is nasal drip. This was the case for my DD. She thought it was nonsense as didn't feel her nose running at all but steroid drops sorted it out.

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