Dysphagia

[cara150]

I was recently diagnosed with a low right-sided complex thyroid nodule(2.5cm x 1.9cm) and my FNB/FNA last week came back nondiagnostic(they also drained 2cc fluid).  I first noticed it 2nd to difficulty in swallowing (is palpable, soft,  and no lymphadenopathy).  After my first u/s I began to get a tightness high in my throat(epiglottis area) like someone is choking me.  It feels like muscle spasm- it is getting worse and worse.  My throat almost closed earlier in the week while running(I stopped doing that) and yesterday for a time I lost the ability to swallow my saliva(feels like a huge lump in my throat and muscle spasms-even my tongue).  I went to the E.R. yesterday- labs WNL, Neck CT neg.  I know it sounds like G.E.R.D. but it just started 4 wks ago as my thyroid nodule was getting diagnosed- strange coincidence!  I am not an anxious person, I don't have anxiety attacks(type B personality).  I'm 29 y/o female, ICU nurse with a two yr old daughter, no medical history besides C-section and lumbar disectomy.  My TSH was in the 3's and my antibody's were neg.  I'm seeing my I.M. md, endocrinologist, and going to an ENT tomorrow- no one seems to know.  Any ideas or leads to follow?

[Ratnakar Kini]

Hi Cara150,
Thyroid nodule do not cause dysphagia.
A barium swallow and an upper GI endoscopy are essential for initial evaluation of dysphagia.

Esophageal manometry may be helpful if the above two are inconclusive.

GERD can cause dysphagia.
A 24 hours pH monitoring is required to confirm GERD.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.
- Ratnakar Kini M.D.

[Robbie76]

I also have the tightness and difficulty swallowing.  I saw an ENT who scoped my throat and found nothing.  Last week I had an upper endoscopy and I have mild esophagitis.  He also stretched my esophagitis where I had the tight feeling and it appears to be better.  One thing that has helped me also is my GP prescribed Flexeril for muscle relaxation.  I use it when I have trouble swallowing and it takes the sensation away.   This may help you.  I also have no medical history, other than 3 c-sections and a lumbar disectomy and laminectomy.  Good luck.