Question 1

my toddler seems to choke and gag on food a lot. could he have a swallowing disorder or possibly putting too much good in his mouth?

Accepted Answer

Toddler: As a toddler he is probably stuffing his mouth and therefore has difficulty in swallowing. If after restricting the amounts of food that he eats the situation continues, consult your doctor or gastroenterologist.

Question 2

what are the chances for a swallowing disorder being caused by brain damage?

Accepted Answer

Common in strokes: Stroke patients and others with brainstem injuries can cause swallowing problems, but an isolated problem with swallowing is unlikely  to be caused by brain damage.

Question 3

i have developed a swallowing disorder where i keep thinking about my breathing while eating and drinking. i have to manually breathe while eating and it makes eating uncomfortable and stressful. eating does not feel natural anymore. what do i do?

Accepted Answer

: Find out what the problem is.  Your body is talking to you.  Listen and take good notes. Then share with your Dr and you all will be able to figure out what is going on and how to fix it.

Question 4

how are swallowing disorders evaluated?

Accepted Answer

Gastroenterologist: Swallowing disorders may involve the muscles of the swallowing mechanism itself and/or the muscles of the esophagus (swallowing tube). The former are usually evaluated by professionals called speech pathologists. The latter by gastroenterologists, including measurements of the swallowing muscles called manometry.

Question 5

how common are swallowing disorders in the us?

Accepted Answer

Frequent: Many patients have reflux esophagitis, especially so in patients who are overweight (fat or obese). True pathologic reason to have difficulty swallowing are less common.

Question 6

difficulty swallowing? is that esophageal disorder or cancer?

Accepted Answer

Needs more eval: These symptoms could indicate either.  Make an appointment with your primary care physician or a gastroenterologist.  Common tests would include an upper endoscopy or an esophagram.

Question 7

hi, i just want to ask, when taking resperidone for mdd. i am having  loss of appetite and difficulty swallowing food. what medicine should i take?

Accepted Answer

Risperidone: Is an antipsychotic, not first indicated for mdd unless your mdd is severe with psychotic features. Please go and see your psychiatrist. Your difficulty swallowing food could be a side-effect, the loss of appetite is unlikely, Risperidone usually tends to increase appetite. My recommendation again: please make an appointment to see your dr as soon as possible. Best wishes!

Question 8

can esophageal cancer cause swallowing disorders?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The major disorder is the inability to swallow food or liquid comfortably.  Esophageal cancer is generally circumferential, like a doughnut.  The hole or the lumen becomes smaller as the cancer grows, making it difficult for food and then liquid to pass through.  This is called dysphagia.  It can be treated with radiation, placing a stent or surgery with removal and replacement of the esophagus.

Question 9

swallowing disorders (can only swallow small chunks, slow pace, while concentrating), past 3 weeks. very allergic (gras, more). connection? treatment?

Accepted Answer

Possible Connection: It is possible that you have eosinophilic esophagitis.  This is swelling/inflammation of the esophagous caused by allergic inflammation.

Question 10

i have difficulty swallowing pills-supplements. can i empty the powder out of the capsules and dissolve it in water and drink? i know for certain medicines it's not good to do that because of the time release factor. but i am talking about supplements not

Accepted Answer

This : This is a great question and my opinion is that it depends on the suppliment in question and the capsule.  It certainly could effect the taste of the liquid that you drink in a negative way. Could you be more specific in terms of the suppliment?

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Medicine for swallowing disorder

A member asked:

My toddler seems to choke and gag on food a lot. could he have a swallowing disorder or possibly putting too much good in his mouth?

A member asked:

What are the chances for a swallowing disorder being caused by brain damage?

A member asked:

I have developed a swallowing disorder where i keep thinking about my breathing while eating and drinking. i have to manually breathe while eating and it makes eating uncomfortable and stressful. eating does not feel natural anymore. what do i do?

A member asked:

How are swallowing disorders evaluated?

A member asked:

How common are swallowing disorders in the us?

A member asked:

Difficulty swallowing? is that esophageal disorder or cancer?

A member asked:

Hi, i just want to ask, when taking resperidone for mdd. i am having loss of appetite and difficulty swallowing food. what medicine should i take?

A member asked:

Can esophageal cancer cause swallowing disorders?

A member asked:

Swallowing disorders (can only swallow small chunks, slow pace, while concentrating), past 3 weeks. very allergic (gras, more). connection? treatment?

A member asked:

I have difficulty swallowing pills-supplements. can i empty the powder out of the capsules and dissolve it in water and drink? i know for certain medicines it's not good to do that because of the time release factor. but i am talking about supplements not

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?