Dealing with dysphagia

September 24, 2014 3:54 PM

I have an appointment with my Dr. tomorrow, but until then, any tips for dealing with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)?

I feel like my throat is extremely dry and swollen or something is stuck back there. This has been going on for a couple of weeks and has finally become obnoxiously omnipresent. Complicating factors: I'm on a medication that can cause dry mouth (Lipitor) and I have asthma, which is making me feel a bit panicky about breathing even though I am breathing through the nose just fine.

So far I've tried:

1. Constantly taking small sips of water.

2. Not smoking.

3. An antihistamine.

I'm going to the doctor tomorrow at 1:30pm no matter what, but I would do just about anything for some relief until then. (See: not smoking.)

posted by xyzzy to Health & Fitness (9 answers total)

Best answer: I find cough drops really help with this. I think any hard candy would probably do the trick though.
posted by litera scripta manet at 4:01 PM on September 24, 2014 [1 favorite]

I am not a doctor. I take a medication that dries my mouth. I chew a lot of gum as that causes salivation. You can also get dry mouth moisturizer at the dentist.
posted by lifethatihavenotlivedyet at 4:05 PM on September 24, 2014

I would focus on reducing the swelling, then address the dryness, which may well be the start of the inflammation. Ice? Ibuprofen?
posted by Riverine at 4:31 PM on September 24, 2014

Best answer: Are the xerestomia (dry mouth/throat) and globus sensation your only symptoms, or do you have other symptoms such as coughing/choking/wet voice during or after swallowing, or a sensation that the food/liquid is becoming lodged in your throat? Do you also have issues with reflux or allergies/sinus issues (I ask this because these often cause a globus sensation and some swallowing difficulties). Asthma inhalers can also cause some xerostomia issues.

I would definitely see your doctor but also request an ENT/OTO referral so they can scope you and look at your pharynx and vocal folds and rule out any sort of mass causing the problem, or identify any other issues that may be causing your symptoms. They may also request a swallow evaluation or a modified barium swallow study as well.

In the mean time, stay hydrated, use non-alcohol lozenges, add extra moisture to your foods, maybe stick to softer, slicker foods - use a blender or food processor if needed. There are also some OTC products made for people with dry mouth (e.g. Biotene) including some artificial saliva gels that help lubricate the mouth.
posted by canda at 4:40 PM on September 24, 2014

Response by poster:

Are the xerestomia (dry mouth/throat) and globus sensation your only symptoms, or do you have other symptoms such as coughing/choking/wet voice during or after swallowing, or a sensation that the food/liquid is becoming lodged in your throat? Do you also have issues with reflux or allergies/sinus issues (I ask this because these often cause a globus sensation and some swallowing difficulties).

I do have coughing/choking/wet voice after swallowing, but only occasionally. On two occasions since this began I've, like, vomited massive amounts of clear mucous. It's the only way I can describe it. No food or actual vomit has come up, but I easily filled four of five full sized paper towels with mucous. I wasn't coughing it up--it was just flowing out like water. I know, gross, so sorry. I do have acid reflux and noticed in the past couple of days that it's worse than usual. This always happens if I eat more than once a day, which I've been doing more regularly over the past couple of weeks. Maybe related?

Also potentially related--right now I'm in the middle of being diagnosed of some type of mystery illness that has caused massive denervation/nerve damage in my back and lower legs. It's not diabetes, alcoholism, or orthopedic in origin. I'm awaiting a referral to a neurologist to be evaluated for MS, some type of autoimmune disorder, possible genetic or nutritional causes, etc.

Right now I'm sucking on non-alcoholic lozenges and it is helping with the uncomfortable sensation.
posted by xyzzy at 5:46 PM on September 24, 2014

Quick personal medical background that's relevant to the rest of my answer: I have allergy/sinus/general breathing issues and acid reflux, so I'm in a pretty much constant state of feeling congested. (The post nasal drip plus constantly having to blow my nose is the worst.) Also, I'm female.

Anyway, one thing I've noticed, and bear with me cause this might seem strange, is that I feel like the "consistency" of the mucus change roughly following my menstrual cycle. Like, the congestion in my sinuses and the back of my throat gets more "stuck" as I get closer to getting my actual period, whereas in the weeks after my period, I feel like the mucus is "looser." (TMI, sorry, not sure of a less gross way to describe it) The main reason I mention this is that my experience of dysphagia gets a lot worse when I'm closer to getting my period, and I find myself pretty constantly sucking on cough drops to keep myself from panicking about how I'm going to choke on this giant lump in my throat (hence my earlier advice).

This is totally anecdotal, and if you're not female then this may not be relevant to you at all, but I just thought I'd throw it out there, because it is a pattern I've noticed, and it sounds like we have sort of similar symptoms/experiences.
posted by litera scripta manet at 8:58 PM on September 24, 2014

Sorry one other recommendation:

If you think that your dysphagia might possibly be related to congestion, I find mucinex really helps, especially when combined with a netty pot or a really hot, steamy shower.
posted by litera scripta manet at 9:52 PM on September 24, 2014

Mrs. Dr. Wu is a speech-language pathologist who specializes in dysphagia. She may be able to offer some suggestions, though not until 5-6pm EST, when she returns from work. Please feel free to MeMail me if you'd like me to have her contact you.
posted by Dr. Wu at 10:28 AM on September 25, 2014

Just wanted to add: get checked out for Eosinophilic Esophagitis, an auto immune disorder often copresent with allergies, asthma and the main symptoms are severe heartburn and dysphagia. Needs an endoscopy to diagnose but it sounds like having one couldn't hurt with the symptoms you are experiencing. It's still not very well known among doctors even though it's becoming more common. I have EE and would be glad to share any info about my diagnosis and medications if you (or anyone reading this) would like to know more about it.
posted by everyday_naturalist at 9:47 PM on September 25, 2014