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?

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My mother has the same problem.  She cannot swallow.  It doesn't happen all the time but most.  She can't even swallow water sometimes.  She has had an endoscopy and it showed the she had a narrowing of the esophagus and she then went and had it stretched but it is still the same sometimes worse.  She is in her late 70's and is very depressed over this.  It could be very painful at times.  We don't know what to do or where to turn. Help!

[Maureen]

I have the same problem last year. I had unbelievable burnign for 3 months in my throat and tongue. Took prilosec ( up to 4 a day) did not help. All the sudden one day I was fine.  Appoximately six weeks ago I got very sick. I started taking penicillian and got the " stuck in my throat feeling" I have ct scans done and barium swallows all for the doctors to tell me nothing is wrong.  Now I feel as though I am being choked and someone is sitting on my chest. I am only 35 and I feel like I am dying.  I also went to the hospital to have them check my stomach I also have a h. hernia.  Has anyone ever had success for treatment.  They did say I had mild reflux but in only occurs in the winter

[Linda]

Hurray!
I've tried the Prilosec for a week now.
The difficult swallowing is gone and the heart burn!
Doctor says losing weight SLOWLY will take care of my
problem. Ten minute walks a day.
I still refused the Endo though.
Does anyone know if there is natural food or herbs
with the same properties ans Prilosec? The medication
is very expensive.

[Maureen]

Linda,

I am glad to see your feeling better. How long did you have the pain before you went on the prilosec.

[Leigh]

My husband has a swallowing problem from time to time caused by a narrowing of the esophagus - cause unknown.  He is only 40years young and in very good physical shape.  He has had his throat dilated about 3 times but is always reluctant to have it done.  When he has severe spasms, he can't get anything up or down ,salivates like crazy and has terrible sternal pain.  He gets very sweaty , red, and panicky.  Eventually, it resolves but in the meantime it is horrible to experience and witness.  Are there any suggestions to help resolve these episodes outside of an esophagus transplant? (smiling)

We would appreciate any help you could give.

[Linda]

Maureen,
I have had the problem on and off for years. The heavier I get the longer it lasts. This time, I was considering the ER for help.