Seeking Advice: Persistent Throat Issues and Difficulty Swallowing
Hello Medical Professionals, I am a 55-year-old woman who has been grappling with throat and esophagus problems for almost eight months. My current medications include Sertraline, Atenolol, and a concoction known as Magic Mouthwash (which contains Benzocaine, Mylanta, and Benadryl), alongside Promethazine with Codeine for my cough. I've undergone extensive testing for conditions like Strep throat and acid reflux, but to no avail. Consultations with an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist, as well as a CT scan to rule out cancer, have yielded negative results. Subsequently, I saw a gastroenterologist who performed an endoscopy and determined that although there was no sign of reflux, my esophagus had a significantly narrow passage. About six weeks ago, it was dilated. Initially, I experienced some relief for roughly a week; however, I am now facing issues with swallowing again, feeling as though I'm drawing mucus through a straw. This has become increasingly painful, exacerbated by sores that have developed under my tongue, and I find myself coughing throughout the night. What are the next steps I should consider? It seems my gastroenterology team doesn't have additional guidance at this time. Any suggestions or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your help!
Answers (1)
6/25/2025, 4:01:23 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been through a lot with your throat and esophageal issues, and I can understand how frustrating it must be for you. Your symptoms of persistent throat discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and the presence of sores under your tongue warrant careful attention.
Given the extensive testing you've already undergone, which has ruled out major conditions, the focus now should be on managing your ongoing symptoms and improving your quality of life. Here’s a structured approach to help you with the immediate concerns you’re experiencing:
Explanation:
Your issues could be related to several factors, including residual effects from your previous conditions, inflammation, or side effects from medications. The narrowing of your esophagus may also contribute to persistent swallowing difficulties. It’s not uncommon for throat and esophagus problems to persist even after initial treatments show some success, especially with complex conditions.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Management:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink warm fluids (like herbal teas or broth) that can soothe the throat and help with swallowing.
- Adjust Diet: Opt for softer foods that are easier to swallow and avoid spicy or acidic foods that may irritate your throat.
- Sore Relief: Continue using your Magic Mouthwash to help with pain relief from the sores under your tongue; if the sores are persistent, you could explore topical treatments that may be more targeted.
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Assess Medications:
- Consider discussing with your prescriber the possibility that some of your current medications (like Sertraline or Promethazine) may have side effects contributing to your throat symptoms, such as dry mouth or throat irritation. Adjusting these may bring relief.
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Regular Monitoring:
- Keep a diary of your symptoms, food intake, and medication usage. Documenting patterns could help identify triggers or specific foods that worsen your symptoms.
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Follow-Up Care:
- Although your gastroenterologist may not have further guidance, consider asking about a follow-up appointment or a referral to a speech or swallowing therapist. They can provide targeted exercises and strategies to improve swallowing and address potential muscle coordination issues.
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Explore Other Specialists:
- If your throat issues persist, you might want to revisit your ENT specialist or seek a second opinion from another gastroenterologist who focuses on esophageal disorders. They may have additional treatment options or insights, including testing for motility issues.
It’s essential to approach your situation thoughtfully and patiently. Please let me know if you need more specific advice on any step, or if any new symptoms arise that change your situation. Your well-being is important, and continued care and adjustments in your management plan can lead to improvements over time.
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