Seeking Solutions: Difficulty Swallowing and Disturbing Abdominal Sounds
A 36-year-old woman seeking assistance is facing severe swallowing issues. She does not smoke, nor does she consume alcohol or drugs, and takes no medications. Weighing around 80 pounds, her height is 5 feet 3 inches. In December 2023, she began experiencing a sudden inability to swallow without obstruction. Every attempt to ingest food made her feel as though she was choking, with the sensation of food accumulating in her esophagus, taking a frustratingly long time to pass. To alleviate this discomfort, she often had to massage her throat. The following day, she visited the emergency room, where she returned home after being instructed to await a call regarding a swallowing assessment. This evaluation later confirmed that she was having trouble swallowing foods of all textures. A chiropractor attempted manual adjustments to address a possible hiatal hernia. While she experienced temporary relief, her condition continued to deteriorate. Although the sensation of food being stuck in her throat subsided, she developed a feeling of fullness beneath her left rib cage, accompanied by noticeable puckering. Additionally, a discomforting sensation extends from her solar plexus down to her navel, feeling tender and pinched. She can only get down a minimal amount of liquid before feeling full—subsequently unable to swallow anything else for hours, leading to the alarming situation where even tiny morsels or water are nearly impossible to manage. Her reflux has intensified, forcing her to sleep in an upright position, and her dental health is suffering due to erosion of her teeth. She suspects that the core issue lies deeper in her abdomen, potentially indicating a hernia causing pressure that impacts the nerves involved in the swallowing reflex. She finds that her swallowing goes most smoothly in the early morning or when her stomach is completely empty. A recent barium swallow test failed to yield useful imaging results as she was unable to ingest all required substances. Attempts to conduct an endoscopy were also thwarted due to anesthesia-related complications, preventing the scope from being used. She is now feeling increasingly desperate due to her extreme weakness and malnourishment from eating difficulties. Navigating the Canadian healthcare system is particularly challenging, especially without a general practitioner. Is she contending with a hiatal hernia or perhaps a lateral hernia? Would it be advisable to pursue a CT scan? She has shared a video displaying the unusual sounds emanating from her stomach while breathing within the Diagnosis community since attachments are not allowed in this group. Any insights or recommendations that do not involve anesthesia or require swallowing a contrast solution would be immensely appreciated, especially considering her heightened risk with any medication that depresses the central nervous system. Thank you for your assistance! 🙏🏼
Answers (1)
4/3/2025, 7:40:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're facing a very challenging situation with your swallowing difficulties and related symptoms. Your experiences with feeling full quickly, discomfort in your abdomen, and the impact on your dental health due to reflux are understandably distressing. Let's address your concerns and explore some steps you can take.
Summary of Key Points:
- Swallowing difficulties: Experiencing sensations of food obstruction and fullness.
- Abdominal symptoms: Notable discomfort and unusual sounds from your stomach.
- Concerns about hernias: Possible involvement of a hernia affecting your swallowing reflex.
Explanation:
The symptoms you're describing could be attributed to several underlying issues. Conditions such as a hiatal hernia, esophageal motility disorders, or even reflux can significantly impact swallowing. Given that your swallowing is more manageable on an empty stomach, this suggests that the amount of food in your stomach or its position may be contributing to your discomfort.
Your concerns surrounding a hernia affecting nerve pathways that control the swallowing reflex are valid, especially since you noted relief with chiropractic adjustments. However, it's crucial to confirm if a hernia or another condition is the root cause, especially considering your difficulty with standard diagnostic procedures.
Next Steps:
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Dietary Adjustments: Focus on consuming very small, easily swallowable amounts of liquid or pureed foods that are less likely to cause discomfort. Maintain a food diary to track what you can swallow most comfortably.
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Hydration & Nutrition: Prioritize hydration and consider oral supplements for nutrition (like protein shakes) that are easier to consume without stimulating discomfort. Even soft, high-calorie foods (like mashed bananas or yogurt) can be beneficial.
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Gentle Positioning: When eating and drinking, try sitting upright and leaning slightly forward to help with swallowing. Allow ample time between sips and bites to minimize the choking sensation.
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Breathing Techniques: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing before meals to help calm the swallowing reflex. This can assist in easing anxiety that may worsen the sensation of obstruction.
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Document Symptoms: Keep a thorough record of your symptoms, including the timing and nature of sounds from your stomach, which can be shared with any future healthcare providers or specialists involved in your care.
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Advocate for Imaging: A CT scan could further clarify any anatomical issues, including potential hernias. Try to express the necessity of this imaging to any professionals you engage with, emphasizing your urgent need for clarity.
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Explore Alternative Assessments: There may be non-invasive options available for evaluation that don’t require anesthesia or swallowing contrast solutions—discuss these with healthcare providers who may offer alternatives to standard methods.
By taking these steps and staying organized in your approach, you can empower yourself to navigate this challenging situation more effectively. Remain persistent in seeking assistance, and consider reaching out to specialists in gastrointestinal disorders if possible. You deserve support in managing your health.
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