esophagus air bubble

[jhunt88]

For the past 12 years I have had a trouble with my esophagus when swallowing certain foods or liquids. It does not happen each time I eat those same foods though. I get a tightening sensation in my esophagus – as an air bubble actually forms there. My saliva thickens and the air bubble increases with each subsequent swallow. Severe episodes have impaired my breathing. My throat gets tighter and my thick saliva seems to make the action of swallowing get stuck in mid stroke, leaving me gasping for air. It happens maybe four or five times a year, mostly when I eat dry foods like rice or raw carrots, but it has also happened when drinking beer or water. Note: It happens right when I start to eat or drink, not midway through a meal or beverage. The episode subsides after about 20 minutes as my saliva thins. The constriction is entirely in my throat, not behind my breastbone as other similar stories have reported. Sometimes this tightness is relieved a bit when I am able to release trapped air in my throat. It’s a “throat burp” for sure. Meaning, it doesn’t come from air trapped in my stomach. I sure hope you can point me in the right direction with this condition. Many thanks!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Hello - thanks for asking your question.

There are several causes of problems swallowing.  These include mechanical obstructions such as an esophageal ring, peptic stricture or esophageal cancer.  Motility disorders such as esophageal spasm, scleroderma or achalasia should also be considered.  

I would proceed with a barium swallow (a x-ray to evaluate swallowing function) or upper endoscopy to make sure that there is no esophageal disorder present (listed above).  

If that is negative, I would consider a referral to an ENT where they can evaluate the oropharyngeal system (i.e. above the esophagus) for any further causes of your problems swallowing.  

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.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[jhunt88]

One addition to my posting "esophagus air bubble" posting. I forgot to mention that I did have a barrium swallow done which revealed nothing. I wonder how this moving x-ray would have turned out if I was having an epesode (or swallowing trouble)at the time.

[jeannie711]

A related discussion, esophageal air bubbles was started.