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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
swallowing being affected by ms
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
swallowing being affected by ms
by que03, Jun 07, 2005 12:00AM
I was recently told I possibly have ms and started rebif in Jan. However, for the past year I have had intermittent sensations that food is getting stuck between my sternal notch and stomach. The nurse is telling me this is associated with MS. I have a hard time believing this since my diagnosis is new and questionable. I also have chest pain while exercising which has been ruled out as non-cardiac. Also has been going on for over a year. As long as I stop after about 15 min, walk slowly and start again after a few minutes it works out. I have also found eating after exercising is more painful and get that stuck feeling. It seems to push the food through when I drink a lot of water. I am an avid exerciser and more upset about not being able to run,swim, etc.. like I want to. The food thing is not making me throw up or anything, just pain. It takes away from some of the "fun" foods only that I should not be eating. Could it be from ibuprofen use? Also on zelnorm and avalide. I did go through 6 weeks of prilosec and then 6 weeks of stronger, script drug, which I can't remember name, without relief. I am tired of drugs and procedures---otherwise would be visiting friendly GI doc. Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jun 08, 2005 12:00AM
, Jun 08, 2005 12:00AM
You can consider basic tests like barium swallow, or more invasively, an upper endoscopy to ensure there isn't anything else going on. Other possibilities can include inflammation of the upper digestive tract, a stricture, a mass, or GERD.
If the tests are non-revealing, then perhaps it may be due to MS.
Ibuprofen can certainly lead to discomfort when swallowing, as it predisposes you to ulcers and inflammation. The upper endoscopy can evaluate for this.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
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
If the tests are non-revealing, then perhaps it may be due to MS.
Ibuprofen can certainly lead to discomfort when swallowing, as it predisposes you to ulcers and inflammation. The upper endoscopy can evaluate for this.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
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
