Experiencing Difficulty Swallowing After Botox Treatment
At 43 years of age and weighing 219 pounds, I have been diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, along with several other connective tissue disorders attributed to EDS. My conditions also include POTS, MCAS, and occasional reactive hypoglycemia. While I suspect I may have cranial cervical instability, I haven't yet persuaded my healthcare providers to investigate this further. My current medications include famotidine, hydroxyzine, hydroxychloroquine, Dupixent injections, and Claritin. To manage my thoracic outlet syndrome, I receive Botox injections in my right scalene muscle every few months, a routine I've maintained for the past 18 months without issues. However, during my most recent injection, a resident administered the shot while my usual doctor supervised. It seemed the resident exerted significant pressure, making this injection noticeably more painful than usual. I experienced a headache shortly after the procedure, but it subsided in a few hours, leading me to believe everything returned to normal. Unfortunately, this morning brought an unexpected problem: my throat felt significantly swollen, causing immense difficulty in swallowing. Even basic activities like drinking water or saliva have become a challenge, and I've struggled to consume food all day—yogurt was particularly tough to swallow. I have no respiratory distress or pain, so I don't think I'm unwell. I am aware that difficulty swallowing can be a side effect of Botox. While I can breathe comfortably and feel no pain, I contacted my doctor's office for advice, and they suggested I visit the ER. However, from my research, it seems there isn't much anyone can do to alleviate my swallowing difficulties, and I’d simply have to wait for the Botox effects to diminish. I'm reluctant to spend several hours—plus the potential financial costs—visiting the ER only to be told that no immediate help exists. My spouse is encouraging me to seek emergency care, but I would prefer to avoid that unless they can provide meaningful assistance. Should I start experiencing any respiratory issues, I'll certainly seek help, but until then, I'm inclined to ride it out. I'd appreciate the insights of the Reddit medical community: should I go to the ER or should I just wait it out? Also, any tips on making eating easier would be greatly appreciated—I’m quite hungry! Thank you for your attention!
Answers (1)
7/30/2025, 10:10:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned when facing difficulty swallowing after your recent Botox treatment, especially given your complex medical history. While Botox can sometimes lead to temporary swallowing difficulties, it’s important to ensure you stay safe while managing your symptoms.
Main Points:
- Swelling and difficulty swallowing can be related to the Botox injection but also may indicate other issues.
- You should monitor your symptoms closely and consider the urgency of your situation.
- There are ways to make eating easier while you wait.
Explanation:
Botox injections can cause localized side effects, including swelling and muscle relaxation that may affect swallowing. Given that you're not experiencing respiratory distress, this could suggest that the swelling is not severe. However, because difficulty swallowing can become serious if it worsens, it’s essential to approach this cautiously.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Pay attention to any changes in your swallowing difficulties, and note if you develop any new symptoms such as pain, fever, or increased swelling.
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Stay Hydrated: Try to stay hydrated with small sips of water. Consider using a straw, which may help direct the liquid to the back of your mouth more easily.
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Modify Food Texture: Choose soft foods like pureed soups, smoothies, or applesauce. Avoid anything hard or crunchy that could cause discomfort or further difficulties.
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Use Thicker Liquids: If drinking is challenging, thicker liquids (like smoothies or shakes) can sometimes be easier to swallow. If you have them at home, consider adding a thickening agent to liquids for easier ingestion.
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Rest your Throat: Avoid speaking too much and stay calm, as stress can exacerbate symptoms.
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Evaluate Need for Emergency Care: If you begin to experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, or your ability to swallow worsens further, don’t hesitate to seek emergency care. Your safety comes first.
While it’s understandable to want to avoid the ER, if your spouse feels strongly that you should go or if symptoms escalate, it's advisable to heed their concern. Ultimately, trusting your body and prioritizing your well-being is critical. Let me know how you progress!
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