Sjögren's syndrome question

Depends what you mean by choking, Lisa. Quite a lot of us have trouble swallowing food if we have a really dry mouth. I get it occasionally, especially when swallowing dry food like bread, or sticky food like potatoes. I wouldn't personally define that as choking, even though the food occasionally gets stuck for a few seconds (and a lot longer than that in my oesophagus once I succeed in swallowing it).

If you're describing something other than the above, then perhaps you should indeed see a gastro doctor.

As early as 1976 there has been discussion in the medical literature regarding 'dysmotility' (difficulty swallowing) in Sjögrens Syndrome. An abstract from a 1976 paper pasted below: 

Ramirez-Mata M, Pena Ancira FF, Alarcon-Segovia D

The Journal of Rheumatology [01 Mar 1976, 3(1):63-69]

"Oesophageal monometric studies were done in 10 unselected patients with Sjögren's syndrome, not associated with other connective tissue or chronic active hepatic disease. Nine of the patients revealed abnormal oesophageal motility, consisting of absent or decreased contractility in the upper third of the oesophagus. In four patients, the dysfunction also extended to other portions of the organ. Dryness of the mouth and oropharynx, or mucosal atrophy, does not explain these findings. The uniform pattern of the oesophageal dysfunction found in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome, which differs from the patterns of involvement observed in other connective tissue diseases, suggests that primary Sjögren's syndrome is probably a distinct entity."

Further to that time there have been numerous references to oesophageal dysmotility related to Sjögrens S. such as: 

"Defective peristalsis has been demonstrated in one-third or more of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome. Decreased or absent contractility has been shown in the upper third of the oesophagus, and UOS impairment may be more severe than in the other connective tissue diseases"- from Rheumatology 2008, 47 (6), pp 746-752 Dysphagia and Other Manifestations of Oesophageal Involvement in Musculoskeletal Diseases.

There are many other related articles suggesting the presence of oesophageal dysmotility in patients with S.S. Perhaps your Rheumatologist would do well to do some further research on this aspect of S.S.

Yes I do, Lisa! And my Rhuemy said the same thing. (Doesn't know cause, doesn't associate it with Sjogren's, told me to see my primary care) Out of the blue I will just gasp for air and/or choke and cough. It is really scary when it wakes me from a dead sleep and I sit straight up in bed gasping for air. I read some on line about laryngospasms and this might be what we are having. Very little detail but it did list Sjogren's as one of the possible causes. I never had this happen to me until after I got Sjogren's and I'm fairly certain there is a connection. Good luck and if I learn more I will let you know.

Blessings,

Sharon

Hello, I will at times have trouble swallowing to where I am seriously feeling like I am choking. It could be on food, drink, or even air. I had a swallow test and it was normal though like i said it comes and goes. I also have had several episodes oh laryngospasm which scare the crap out of me. If you find a reason why this is happening I would love to know. Hope you're doing well!

Hi Lisa. I was recently diagnosed with Sjogren's and I've had a lump in my throat off and on for several years. It comes and goes and makes it difficult to swallow.  At the time they followed up with CAT scans of my thyroid and found small nodules but nothing out of the ordinary.  My  rheumatologist now  told me that it was related to   Sjogren's. Sometimes it does feel like it's difficult to even breathe. I hope that helps.....maybe you need a new rheumatologist? 

Absolutely untrue. Esophageal problems come with Sjogren's. I had many Dr's tell me the same thing until I met the best Vocal Cord Surgeon I. The Midwest. Why did I need him? I was having terrible problems with swallowing, choking, my voice was raspy and hoarse... It got so bad I could barely talk which led me to my Vocal Cord Surgeon. He is the reason I was diagnosed with Sjogren's. I had tests done that showed I had a paralyzed right Larangyeal Nerve and Right Vocal Cord. I went through 5 months of diagnostic testing because this can be a dangerous condition. Finally my Dr said he suspected an Autoimmune problem. At last I had an answer. I also had a narrowing of my Esophagus and severe Gerd, all caused by Sjogren's.Please know you have options. Do NOT let any Dr's tell you these things are not related. They are. My Surgeon widened the opening of my Esophagus, which may have to be done regularly. It helped immensely. Also take Salogen pills. They increase saliva thereby helping your ability to swallow. I went to a Gastro too and she diagnosed the GERD and Barrett's Esophagus, but tell your Rheumatologist they ARE related. Unfortunately, not enough Dr's know enough about all the effects of this disease we are dealing with. I have found myself educating THEM. Stay proactive and positive. YOU are your best voice. No pun intended

If it is on the net/web check out mystery diagnosis: most shocking cases aired on 10/10/2016 discovery life. The woman who couldn't cry. It is about sjogrens and one of her first symptoms is difficulty swallowing and choking.