Dysphagia - trouble initiating swallow
Posted , 2 users are following.
Hello,
I'm a 27 year old male who has had GERD for the past 5-6 years and have had indigestion for most of my life (burps, not vomit). I noticed in 2011 that I had trouble initiating a swallow after smoking marijuana, I also had immense anxiety during this time. In 2013, I noticed this happened after nights of drinking alcohol. In 2014, I started to have actual heartburn, plus the trouble swallowing. Caffeine, alcohol, spicy food, lack of sleep and stress/anxiety all aggravate heartburn and trouble swallowing.
've taken PPIs (Pantoprazole, Omeprazole) in the past and it helped, but not anymore for initiating a swallow. I've eaten healthy and avoided triggers, but the problem still exists. My doctor says to keep taking the PPIs, but it doesn't help with swallowing and I don't like taking medication just to take it. Earlier this year, it was bad and went away. However, now it is back since August. I've noticed when I'm anxious it is most prevalent (work, post-drinking, during smoking, post-smoking. HOWEVER, I have no issues when I'm drinking. Could it be a neurological thing? Is my stress causing nerve damage that is affecting my ability to initiate a swallowing?
There has been no pain or issues with things or feelings of food getting caught.
Thanks!!
RG
1 like, 2 replies
donna80662 r26756
Posted
I would see and ENT and or Nero, I'm seeing both right now, having some weird symptoms, trouble swallowing, slurred speech, high blood pressure, BAD choking spells! ENT put me on Omeprazole, BTW I had a endoscopy and nothing was found! Talking is very strained for me, I need my voice!!!! My Nero has me down for a EEG next month. I do smoke also and notice my symptoms are more aggravated when I do, why I don't have a clue.
r26756 donna80662
Posted
Have you been formally diagnosed with GERD? I know smoking (weed or cigarettes) will aggravate it. You'd think the anti-inflammatory effects of marijuana would help.
Thanks for the advice around the ENT and Nero. I certainly need to talk with my doctor and look beyond Omeprazole.