Swallowing Spasms

Question

Answer

Your elderly friend should schedule an appointment with her physician. Her description of her swallowing problem is probably pretty accurate. Most of the time, the patient is able to pinpoint the source of the problem based on sensations during the swallowing process.

The swallowing process involves three phases: the oral phase, the pharyngeal phase and the esophageal phase. It is possible that your elderly friend is having difficulty in either of the latter two phases, most likely the esophageal phase. Several medical tests can determine the exact cause of the problem. Based on her description of where she feels the food is being trapped, her physician can order a modified barium swallow, which will look at primarily the first two phases of the swallow or a standard barium swallow, which primarily looks at the esophageal phase through to the stomach. Other medical tests may also be indicated allowing a more direct visualization of the GI tract.

Narrowing of the esophagus can be related to esophageal stricture (narrowing), diverticuli (pockets) in the esophagus, or hiatal hernia. Only a close examination by a physician and appropriate medical testing will reveal the true source of the problem. Once the source is identified, proper treatment should alleviate her symptoms.