Experiencing Persistent Difficulty Swallowing
I am reaching out to share my health struggles, hoping to find some guidance. My name is Eric Muinde, a 26-year-old from Kenya, with a history of allergic reactions. I typically consume alcohol casually on weekends, and occasionally during the week, but it’s not a regular habit. Lately, I have been facing a concerning issue: I often find it difficult to swallow my saliva. It feels as though I’m choking on it. For instance, when I attempt to continuously swallow, there comes a moment when I simply cannot, and this has become a frequent occurrence for me. In addition to this, I have known allergies to certain foods such as fish, bananas, and occasionally avocados. While some days I can eat these foods without any problems, on other occasions they trigger similar symptoms. I underwent an endoscopy, but the doctor didn’t find any abnormalities. As for relief, I’ve been using Cetirizine which has proven helpful; it allows me to swallow more comfortably, though I would prefer to address the underlying issue rather than rely on medication. I’m specifically seeking advice from a qualified medical doctor; I would really appreciate insights from someone with legitimate expertise rather than general opinions. If there are any questions or if you require more details, please feel free to ask. Thank you!
Answers (1)
6/16/2025, 9:50:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that you're feeling concerned about your difficulty swallowing and its impact on your daily life, especially with a history of allergic reactions. Your symptoms could stem from several factors that might not be easily diagnosed during an endoscopy.
Explanation
Difficulties swallowing (dysphagia) can occur for various reasons, including:
- Allergic Reactions: Your known allergies might contribute to inflammation in your throat or mouth, making swallowing difficult.
- Esophageal Issues: Even without abnormalities detected during your endoscopy, issues like esophageal spasms or muscle dysfunction can cause swallowing problems.
- Anxiety: Anxiety or stress can exacerbate sensation difficulties and swallowing issues, making it feel worse.
Cetirizine is helping because it can relieve allergic reactions and reduce throat swelling. However, addressing the underlying cause is important for long-term relief.
Prioritized Next Steps
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Track Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary for a week, noting when the difficulty arises, what you ate prior, and any other accompanying symptoms. This can help identify triggers.
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Avoid Known Allergens: Consider avoiding your known allergens like fish, bananas, and avocados consistently for a while to assess if symptoms improve.
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Hydration and Modifications: Ensure you stay well-hydrated, as dryness can worsen swallowing issues. Additionally, try eating soft foods that are easy to swallow, avoiding hard or dry foods until you feel more comfortable.
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Consult an Allergist: Given your history of allergies and current symptoms, consider seeing an allergist for further evaluation. They may conduct tests to check for other hidden allergies or sensitivities that could be affecting you.
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Mindfulness Techniques: If anxiety is a factor, incorporating mindfulness techniques or breathing exercises can help manage stress around swallowing.
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Follow Up on Medications: Discuss the use of Cetirizine with a healthcare professional to explore if alternative long-term strategies or medications may be more effective without dependency.
If your symptoms worsen or you experience severe effects such as choking, difficulty breathing, or persistent pain, prompt medical attention is necessary. Keep tracking your symptoms and adjustments, and I hope that these steps provide some relief and clarity moving forward. Let me know if you have further questions or concerns!
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