Unable to swallow solid foods for over a month

[Mischelle10]

I have been unable to swallow solid foods for over a month.  I have seen an ENT dr., primary dr., ENT specialist, and nobody seems to see anything.  I had a CT scan yesterday and am scheduled for a swallowing study tomorrow.  I have noticed some pain in my neck - like a charley horse - and when I move my head up and down (like noding yes) I can feel a difference in my throat a tightening sensation.  I constantly feel like there is something in my throat, and it's getting worse.  The doctors have put scopes down my nose and down my throat.  I've lost about 10 pounds and I'm hungry.  I'm getting very frustrated and frightened.  Should I ask to see a head and neck specialist?  One doctor says "GERD" the next says no, not GERD.  Thank you for your help.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There are a variety of diseases that can lead to swallowing problems.  This can include GERD, an esophageal stricture, polyp, mass, or motility disorders.

I agree with the swallowing study.  An upper endoscopy should also be performed.  More specialized tests if the initial tests are non-revealing would include a motility study or 24-hr pH study.

I would suggest a referral to a GI physician.

These options can be discussed with your personal physican.

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.
kevinmd_

[Hannah hypochondriac]

Mischelle, you mentioned they did a scope up your nose and down your throat, was the scope down your throat the upper endoscopy? To me it sounds like it was. And you mentioned one doctor mentioned gerd and another said no gerd. I would recommend a gastroenterologist also. And I would have thought if they had found a mass or stricture which is a narrowing of the esophagus, it would have been discovered during the scope down your throat. Being very anxious and stressed can also cause a tightness in your throat and a lump in your throat but not necessarily being unable to swallow solid foods. By solid foods do you mean things like bread and meat specifically or any solid food? Usually with reflux some people have difficulty swallowing meat and bread. I am sure if you had that problem they would have found it with the scope though.

[karat1]

do you eat a lot of fish as fish bones can get lodged in the esophagus and are very hard to diagnose, ask for xray.