Issues swallowing

[Kitty76]

I just wanted to know if anyone else here has any difficulties with swallowing and what difficulties you have. It's happenend to me a few times over the last couple of weeks, I can get the food to the back of my mouth but then I just can't seem to actually swallow right away, the food stays there for a few seconds before the swallowing mechanism kicks in. Does anyone know why this happens at all?

[FurballsMom]

Well, I'm lucky I can even get my TSH tested.  I have had trouble swallowing things, too.  I have reasons to believe I have a hiatal hernia to go along with my GERD.  My TSH always tests in the normal range, so the doctors won't go beyond this.  It's rather frustrating to me, since I have good reason to believe I still have a low functioning thyroid issue, too.  I do have hirsutism, which is so unpleasant since I feel down about it at times.  I would love to have the hirsutism vanish forever, since some days I feel less than feminine.  I know that's cosmetic, but it still gets to me.

I read some information about Keratosis Pilaris (KP) which is a hair follicle and keratin issue.  I asked my doctor about it and she did say that the hirsutism definitely plays a role in the KP.  Well, I know that the hirsutism is often caused by thyroid issues, too, so I'm sure that all three of these problems are inter-related.  I just wish I could get to the bottom of the thyroid issue.  Not that I want to be on thyroid medication, but it would be great to get a real answer since I know that the TSH can be normal and the T3 and T4 can be out of whack.  I had never heard of KP 'til i did an internet search about my skin condition.  That's when I found out that it has a name.  My doctor verified that I do have this benign skin condition.  Some people refer to it as "chicken skin".  I'm luckier than most, because mine isn't really all that noticeable to the casual observor.

[Mom4Lifeof4]

I am also having trouble swallowing.  It is as if I do my part...and the food is just sitting back there somewhere waiting on the "ride to start", and slowly..it does manage to go down.  Also can happen with fluids, like it is going thru a funnel.  I also get  the reflux type back up (totally NOT normal for me), but since mine doesn't taste bitter or like stomach acid, Dr. believes mine is backing up before it ever makes it there.  I originally thought it was an Esophagus issue - Daddy had to have his stretched a couple of times, but Dr. said my Thyroid is slightly enlarged.  Am scheduled for a UltraSound and Barium/Gi test.  I constantly feel as if someone is choking me or I'm wearing a tight tie/turtleneck.    I read something about a thyroid and hair follicle connection.   Sounds stupid...but my issue didn't begin until I started having laser treatments for hair removal.  Anybody ever heard of a connection?

[lcjackso]

I have swallowing problems and thyroiditis and as far as I know it's unusual for thyroid problems to cause swallowing difficulty unless the thyroid has enlarged a lot. I've gone through many swallowing tests with no diagnosis (other than it may be linked to acid reflux) though my symptoms are quite different from yours.

Swallowing is made up of two parts - firstly the voluntary swallowing you feel, and then the involuntary contractions which move the food/liquid down the esophagus. It sounds like it's the voluntary part you're having trouble with. The medical term is called dysphagia. There are many reasons for it to happen depending on what stage the problem is happening.

[mamarose_]

I have this also. It just seems to slide down taking its own time. I think it is inflammation.

[selmaS]

Please note- normal thyroid testing may not show Hashimoto's thyroiditis and give a normal thyroid result when indeed there is a problem.

Make sure ur ENDO is doing the right tests.

Free T3 and Free T4    TSH and TPO antibodies.

Also an ultra sound of the thyroid will show if u have ne nodules.

[Monnette]

Have they checked to see if your esophogus is too small.  My aunt had to have her stretched and others her age have also.  She is in her mid 50's and I understand this causes difficulty in swallowing.  My other guess would be Hashimotos as when mine flares up I have great difficulty swallowing.  It is like arthritis of the thyroid and can be very uncomfortable.  

[RNRita]

My issue is different.  I can swallow but the food goes down really slowly at times, and feels stuck for up to a minute once in a while.  This can happen even with liquids.  What the...?  My husband laughs at me. It's been going on for years.  Very annoying.

[singerpoet]

Hi Kitty,
I have also had an issue swallowing at times, and I've had fibro for years.  I haven't been able to figure out what causes it, it seems to be like so many other symptoms, just comes and goes.

[karajo]

Yes, I have trouble swallowing.  Water and pills.  Not sure what is going on.

Dr. did check my thyroid and everything was great.  I'm thinking fibromyalgia and or lupus can cause this problem.  

Do you also have a sore throat?

Check this web ste out:
http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/tc/difficulty-swallowing-dysphagia-overview

[selmaS]

Hi, have u had ur thyroid checked?...it is possible to have an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

I hope this isn't ur issue and it is a muscle spasm.

"selma"