Re: trouble swallowing

Posted By HFHSM.D.-ym on September 16, 1998 at 22:47:54:

In Reply to: trouble swallowing posted by trish on September 15, 1998 at 11:21:06:






I've suffered from PAN (a form of vasculitis?) for four years and have been treated with many medications such as immuran, prednisone, as well as many gastric medications.  I was first of all wondering if Losec, a name brand in Canada and Prilosec, in the USA are the same medication.  As I travel between the two countries on a regular basis I often get stranded without the Losec and have been prescribed with Prilosec with the promise of similar results.  However, I experience a lot more gastric reflux with the Prilosec.
Secondly, I've recently been having trouble swallowing liquids and seem to be swallowing backwards, with my throat straining and closing before my tongue gets the liquid down.  I was wondering if this could be due to any medications, the PAN itself or another condition all together?
Dear Trish,
Prilosec was initially named Losec in the United States, but because the drug was often confused with Lasix (a diuretic or water pill) the name was changed. I'm not sure why you are not obtaining the same results with the American version of omeperazole. Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is not usually associated with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and esophageal involvement. Medications can play a role in the development of esophagitis (inflammation of the foodpipe) and dysphagia. If your symptoms persist they require further evaluation and testing to rule out an esophageal motility disorder. I hope you find this information helpful.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you would like to be seen at our institution please call  1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians' Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.
HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: Prilosec, polyarteritis nodosa, dysphagia