I’ve been having trouble swallowing the last couple of months. It feels like my food is sticking in my throat and I’m going to choke and then I’m gasping for air. It’s getting worst. Even liquid is difficult now. It feels like there’s a lump on the right side of my throat making it hard to swallow. I’m terrified it could be cancer like my father
Age: 39
Female
Medications: Metformin, co codamol, fluoxetine, gliclazide
Yes
General Information: I’m diabetic. I’m waiting to see a ear nose throat specialist but it’s not for another four weeks. I’ve asked for an earlier appointment but they say the clinic is full up. I’m frightened it could be cancer (like my father) and it’ll be too late by then
Hello. Dysphagia – difficulty swallowing – can be caused a number of problems. Could be caused by muscle issues, GERD, narrowing of the esophagus, hardening of tissues etc. Lump feeling can be caused by globus sensation, Not all problems are cancer related. In fact it is much more likely to be another issue. Cancer would cause other symptoms such as enlarged lymph node, difficulty speaking, throat and ear pain, headaches, weight loss. Nonetheless experiencing dysphagia for months is not normal and needs to be investigated. Your ENT will probably request x-ray, endoscopy, CT scan.
Regards
I’m feeling pretty desperate as it’s so long to wait for the appointment. If it’s cancer it could be too late. And I’m struggling at the moment to even swallow properly and catch my breath. I went to A&E over the weekend but they didn’t do any tests. So long to wait for the appointment and I’m not sure I can take much more of it. It’s frightening as my throat feels so tight
I’m even afraid to eat and take my tablets now
Hi. Thanks for the query.. Difficulty in swallowing is also known as Dysphagia and it can be due to causes that can be related to throat or oropharynx like: Muscular dystrophy, Parkinsonism, Zenker’s Diverticulum that is a small pouch formed just above foodpipe. etc. While it can also be due to problems with the oesophagus or food pipe like acid reflux, esophageal stricture, tumor, esophagitis, Scleroderma etc.. So first of all you should get a Barium x ray and Endoscopy done to rule out the problem. In case if an ENT is not available then a Gastroenterologist or a Medicine… Read more »
If the accident and emergency department decided no immediate intervention was required, it will be OK for you to wait for your ENT appointment. 2 weeks won’t change much. Relax. Anxiety may in fact be the cause of the problem. Anxiety can affect the Esophagus muscles by increasing tension and your awareness of what should in fact be an automatic function. Try relaxation techniques.
Thanks. It’s getting worst. It’s really getting to me now. I’m barely eating and I know I have to because I’m diabetic but I feel like I’m choking. And now the vomiting. Liquids are a struggle at times. My father passed away from cancer in the throat. Nobody seems to be listening to me. It’s been going on for 2 and a half months and it’s another 4 (not 2) weeks until my ENT appointment so I’m very worried
If you are choking and vomiting you may want to go back to ER and insist on imaging tests. If they refuse, try a private clinic or radiology center.