Difficult swallowing

[Linda]

I feel as if something is caught in my throat around the glottis area. I do not have a cold or sore throat. It causes me to want to swallow alot. This only leads to gas in my stomach and belching problems. I have a problem at times swallowing foods the constistency of mashed potatoes. It actually gets caught and I have to take small amounts of water to push it down.
If I eat ater 6PM, I can't sleep for the intense pain and burning in the midsternum area. Sitting up doesn't even help. I have to stand and sometimes hold my hands over my shoulders. I have tried Tagamet (over the counter) and it does help with the acid discomfort but the feeling that something being in my throat never goes away. It usually takes 3-4 days for food to pass through my system. Should I take laxatives?

[chris a.]

I have the same symptoms as most of those here.  I once choked on an aspirin and couldn't breathe for about 1 minute!  I have found out that I am allergic to "sulfites".  It is a common preservative in many foods.  Please email with any questions.  ***@****

[DENISE]

I had swallowing difficulties a few years back.  I had a history of ulcers, esophagitis and hiatle hernia.  I went to my gastro. docter.  That docter performed a procedure to stretch my esophagus.  I had strictures he said.  This caused a narrowing in my throat which caused a great deal of diffuculty swalling food.  I have had the procedure 2 times in the last 5 years.  I am only 39 years old.  Please have your docter do the test for strictures.  It has brought great relief for myself, and for my family, now that I am comfortable eating again.

[Dawn Marie]

Six months ago, I felt like I had a lump in my throat which was very scary.  I also had back pain and heartburn.  I went to the ENT and he did an endoscopy.  Nothing was found.  I had bloodwork done to check my thyroid, but that was normal.  I was told that it was post nasal drip.  I was put on Claritin D and the symptoms dissapeared in a week.  I thought it was wonderful.  A week ago, I stopped taking the Claritin D and returned to the Dr.  He noticed that my next was "thick".  I once again am going for thyroid testing.  I am having the same symptoms as before.  The Dr. told me that blood tests for thyroid problems are not always accurate, and the best way to determine what it is, is by doing an ultrasound.  If anyone knows more about this you can email me at ***@****   Thanks

[holly]

I have had a feeling like a lump in my throat on and off for about 2 weeks. I have no problem swallowing food. I was bulimic at one time and have a fear that possibly something was damaged. I have been under a great deal of stress caring for my mother who was hurt in an accident recently and thought perhaps it could be nerve related. Should i see an ENT or Gastro dr.
thanks

[Roger age 38]

Hi Diane: I have the same kind of symptoms that you have. Feels like something stuck in my throat, and have trouble swallowing food unless I chew for a long time and drink lot's of fluid. Went to specialist and had a scope done, says narrowing of the esophogus and some scaring on the walls. I've been taking Pantaprazole 40mg since and find it gets rid of any acid reflux,which could cause more scaring and they also said that you could get a style of cancer if that isn't kept under control.Still get that feeling of something stuck in the throat at times, they also told me that stress can cause that feeling. Got to live with the Pantaprozole[aka pantaloc] for the rest of my life and they say I won't cause any harm, or will it? Does anyone know the answer to that?

[Diane-age 43]

I have had problems with stomach ulcers with reflux in the past, but have not had any problem with burning for years (since I took the antibiotic and acid reducing "cure" - it apparently was viral - E-coli(sp)in nature)  However, for the past couple of months, I've felt as though I have something caught in my throat.  Not painful, just kind of irritating.  Might I have a stomach problem or reflux problem again without the terrible burning I suffered with in the past?  Any ideas?