Sunday, February 12, 2012

Dr. Eisner Answers Your GERD Questions: Swallowing Difficulty

I have been experiencing a lot of difficulty swallowing and underwent an endoscopy that was normal. What can this be? While it was correct to undergo an upper endoscopy to look for structural lesions to explain difficulty swallowing such as cancers and strictures, the workup should not stop there. ...
10/ 2/08 2:37pm

This is one of the first symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis.  I't a disease that often is missed in diagnosing and a very serious disease.

Anonymous
Anonymous
10/ 9/08 6:48pm

How great to have common concerns answered in such an understandable and clear manner. Thanks for responding to normal questions not all MDs can answer.

 

I have had the mamography and motility tests from a wonderful otolarengologist, had several endoscopies, am currently taking prevacid daily and still have serious cough with post nasal drip every morning for about an hour. This has been happening for about 10 years. I'm currently seeing an allergist but nothing too impressive has resulted. Who do I see next? The allergist says not to take proton pump inhibitors for extended times. Is this really harmful?

1/ 4/11 9:34pm

Wow-I cannot believe that any physician worth his/her weight wouldn't send a stroke patient to a speech pathologist with an expertise in swallowing disorders, (dysphagia). A speech pathologist assists in the video-xray or can conduct a FEES, and basically makes the observations and recommendations to determine the plan and assist in rehabilitating the swallow. Most physicians can diagnose the problem, but are not trained in the rehabilitation of the swallow. If the dysphagia is neurologic, ALWAYS request a speech/swallow referral.