Dysphagia, How do I get rid of excessive muscus.

[Heinz]

I am a 75 year old male. In excellent health and very active. For 3 years, when eating dry bread or not chewing enough hard food I irritate my esophagus and excessive muscus buildup occures in my lower throat. Drinking liquid makes it worse. I can breathe freely, but the restriction in my throat is unbearable and I must throw up(All my eaten food combined with very slimy and dense muscus). That clears my throat and I can continue eating within about 5 minutes with no further incident. Only sometimes eating crackers breaks up the muscus,I feel that stuff going down,and I can continue eating without trouble. Two years ago I saw a specialist. I had to swallow barium several times and he watched on the screen the swallowing action. He could not find anything obvious, except perhaps a slightly protruding vertibre hitting my foodtube. All he suggested was to chew carefully.
MY QUESTION IS: WHAT CAN I DO OR TAKE TO BREAK UP THE MUSCUS ONCE I FEEL MUSCUS STARTING TO BUILD UP?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The question is where the mucous is coming from.  The most common cause would be a chronic sinusitis leading to post-nasal drip.  An ENT evaluation and possible treatment with steroid nasal sprays can be considered.  Also a laryngoscopy to visualize any obstruction or anatomical abnormalities can be considered.

GI causes would include GERD - which can present with similar symptoms.  If the upper GI series was not revealing, an upper endoscopy or a 24-hr pH study (the definitive test for GERD) can be considered.

Referrals to an ENT and/or an GI doc would be the prudent next step.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b