Ask The Doctor

Dear Ask The Doctor: I have a hard time swollowing. Food gets stuck and it makes it really hard to breath. The only way the food comes up is if i throw it up. I have been taking prilosec for 6-8 months and it has not helped

Dear Samantha: Your symptoms suggest that there may an oesophageal stricture (narrowing). There are many causes of an oesophageal stricture including: gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, oesophagitis (inflammation of the oesophagus), dysfunctional lower oesophageal sphincter, disordered motility, hiatus hernia, or a growth (benign or malignant). I advise attending your family doctor for a detailed history and clinical examination and he may refer you for further investigation such as a Barium swallow, or to a gastroenterologist for specialised advice.