The best explanation of swallowing problems I have come across. After Radio Therapy to the neck for cancer, I have been left with choking on foods for 5 years. The only thing is, I'm not in a hurry for the surgery you have recommended, but thank you for an excellent presentation using your model and knowledge. Priceless!
Exactly like me I can’t eat but when I have a drink with friends or even myself when I get home and I’m still drunk I can eat like a fucking bull I wake up the next day I shit myself trying to swallow any food
@@Jetonhidri i think i should drink Gin now. This happened to me for the first time when i was eating, out of nowhere i cant breath and food is stuck in my throat. I thought i was gonna die
i've recently discovered this weird sensation in my throat when i swallow where it feels like stuff is still there.... LET ME TELL YOU... it's just a sensation and nothing is actually there. It happens when I think about it then a few minutes after eating it passes. I don't know if its a fear of choking or vomiting or what but it's deff real. Just know your mind can play tricks on you
Thank you doctor! This has been helpful. The anxiety of food getting stuck has been unbearable. I have a doctors appointment and hopefully referred to an ENT.
same as me, anxiety of food getting stuck has been nightmare for me for years now, every time i go to a doctor they tell me you are just fine and they couldn't know my issue nether i don't know but now watching this, i am almost 99% sure this is my issue ( Catcher opener )
I had thyroid cancer 2 yrs ago. I have choked 5 times in 6 months. It is so scary. I almost passed out. I was alone twice. I chew tiny bites for several minutes then drink lot with each bite. I do not know why I choke. I am going back to my surgeon to find out if it's scar tissue or what. Good luck to everyone.
Wow, this is one of the best and informative videos I have ever seen on TH-cam. Excellent presentation by Dr. Bastian! Great explanation of a complex subject in a patient and calm manner. Thank you!
I am from Ethiopia decades whth this swallowing problem. I liked and appreciate the way u teach, how u introduce and summerize so that non-medical men like me could understand the lesson. You are intellgent and in deed made me things cleared.
I have a problem swallowing and it's happening a lot more lately. It's embarrassing in a restaurant when it happens. I know when it's going to happen, too. My throat seems to not be able to break up some food anymore. I try and swallow and the back of my throat fills up with phlegm (this happens after I have already swallowed the food). I panic and phlegm builds up in my throat and I have to spit it out in several napkins until the food that's lodged goes down the rest of my throat. I wish I could do something to correct it.
@lorivattes5475 - 4 years later, what’s happening? I’ve had this for 24 years and doctors are useless. But I may have found a possible cure by chance. Either that or it’s just luck.
I anxiety of food getting stuck has been nightmare for me for years now, every time i go to a doctor they tell me you are just fine and they couldn't know my issue nether i don't know but now watching this, i am almost 99% sure this is my issue ( Catcher opener ). sometimes i can eat everything go fine and another time i feel food get stuck in the middle down of my trout that will make my breath difficult ... thanks you Dr. Robert i Love you
What i've discovered is that the only real way for me to swallow pills is to put a small portion of food with the pill. I think the mind tricks your swallowing because pills aren't food. Even when i put just a small piece of bread or a potato chip I am able to swallow like there is no pill. So basically try just chewing a little food up then popping the pill in and swallow. works for me 100% of the time.
When I went to my last check on my swallowing it was to drink something and just swallow,an e ray. After the the e ray in swallowing, she told me there was nothing they could do, this was on 2022, before I left to move to Texas, I’m was in California. She said I’d they would open something in May throat, I didn’t know what she meant. But, if they would open the part for me to swallow , that would not be good, because I would always be just throwing up my food, and cause reaction to my etsofagous. So, I just left I didn’t want to do anything more. I still have problems swallowing soft and meat and bread and potatoes. But, thank you Doctor for your teaching. Appreciate you so much. God bless on blessing others. Diana
I need serious help. I'm way to young to have swallowing problems, but I have anxiety when swallowing cause I might choke and I get a funny feeling near the end of my mouth. I haven't had a decent meal in weeks and I can't eat anything. At school I take one bite of my lunch and right now I have the choking feeling please help!
Akparri The Gaming Cat i am haveing these same problem and i suffer from anxiety i can suggest you a methord to eat food ..chew the food (dont swallow) take a deep breath the hold the breath ,the push the chewed food ,after swallowing release the breath...do the process step by step and slowly , take enough time ...it will help ...this is ma personal experience..dont be afraid ..you will be oke soon .(sorry for ma bad english) may god bless you ❤️❤️❤️
Akparri The Gaming Cat very sorry to hear this god bless you I'm 21 and the problems for me started around 20 then went away and came back much worse I will pray for God bless you
Thank you so much Doctor. I have been searching for months and thank God you came along. Now i can talk to my Doctor Intelligently about my symptoms. They tell me it's all in my mind but the chocking and breathing problems are real. Again, thank you.
Hi Surfer 10, have you had nose surgery done? If so, look into nasal nerve damage or empty nose syndrome . I have been having swallowing/clearing of throat and asphyxiation issues since having septoplasty and turbinectomy.
Best explanation I have heard. I am from Va. and consulted with 3 doctors who failed to explain what I am experiencing as the result of neck surgery by an orthopedic surgeon. I have both pitcher and catcher issues; although the pitcher's saliva did away with my dry mouth problems. it is the catcher issues that have me worried as I age. Steak, lettuce, tomatoes, grapes are verboten. i first start choking, the coughing, then runny nose-disgusting to watch! Thanks to Dr. Bastian's video and you tube I can go back to Johns Hopkins to discuss a plan of treatment or better yet go to Illinois and see Dr. Bastian. Sounds like a worthwhile road trip.
Thanks so much for this information. I've been looking for answers for a while and now understand that I have a "pitcher" problem. Every bit of information leads further to an understanding of what is going on. I have been tested by a few doctors who have not helped and I don't want to get another barium swallow and more radiation. I put an illustration of a swallow in my kitchen and try to focus on my epiglottis closing (which seems to be where the problem is). This seems to help. I also have found that holding my head slightly forward , chin down seems to help. I have not choked on water for five days now!
I also just realized that I have a pitcher problem. The head chin tuck technique seems to help me alot, but I also think anxiety started this swallowing problem for me. I also make sure to take sips instead of huge gulps.
My sister has both of those problems right now. She is 66 and bedridden now with a lot of other health issues. She's had a hard time swallowing for years, but now she's in the hospital and her Dr says that her esophagus opening has the diameter size of a pencil eraser. 😢 For the past 3-4 years her doctor has been stretching (dilating) her esophagus every so often so she can eat, but now the Doctor is saying that there's nothing else they can do for her except put in a feeding tube. Her health is too poor for her to have surgery. Her weight has gone down to 140 lbs from 280 this past year. I'm afraid she's gonna die because she doesn't want to live with a feeding tube. Her doctor is saying that there is no other alternative. I'm holding on to hope and praying that something can be done for her. 🙏🙏😢 Thank you for this video!!
❤ I just want to say I'm sorry. That makes me so sad. Just tell her she can still taste food just to spit it out you will find some sort of pleasure I'm sure bless her heart I will pray for her.
Praying for your sister , she gets better and praying for the doctors , in Jesus name. May he give them wisdom and God give them knowledge to cute her problem. Amen🙏🙏🙌💕
1. A subset of ear, nose, and throat doctors (laryngologists) focus on swallowing. 2) a subset of speech pathologists evaluate and do behavioral counseling. 3) A small subset of GI doctors. Best bet is to call large ENT groups whether private or university-based and ask the triage nurse: "Does any of your physicians specialize in swallowing problems?"
What if it's not just a feeling of the catcher problem but it seems as though food is going past the opening into the esophagus and getting stuck inside of the esophagus almost as if the muscles inside of the esophagus are not pulling food down into the stomach and is causing a sensation of tightness on the left or right side of the throat and the pressure in the throat when breathing in?
You did a good job explaining....My 77 year old wife has a swaloowoinh problem in a nursing home. Another nursing home did a swallow studuy and took her off puree and on machanical soft diet and it seem wo work good but this new nursing home speech therapist changed her t all puree diet and my wife will not eat it very good because of the taste. What can we do? She is loosing her strength and loosing weight and no energy because obviously she will not eat properly.......
I found the info on the catcher very informative: solid foods like meat, pills and gummy breads, tend to get stuck at the cryco pharyngeal junction where a spincter is for opening up the esophagus and this can be fixed by myotomy overnight at a hospital.
i have a both problem in pitcher and catcher because i felt all the symptoms that indicated after i finished to watch the video and also i have a GERD disease. I change my lifestyle it comes to eating, I only eat fruits and vegetables.
I've been having trouble swallowing for over a year now. It feels like my body can't force food down my throat. It feels like a "pitching" problem, but I am not bothered by liquids. I only have trouble with food. It just started out of the blue. In the begging it came and went, but now, I have trouble all the time. Recently I decided that enough is enough, it's time to fix this. My doctor has ordered some tests, but I'm worried that she's not understanding what I'm experiencing. Maybe I'm not explaining it well. I'm hoping what I learned in this video can help me discuss this with my doctor.
@@t.mshrews6708 Yes and no. The Dr said my esophagus is "weak." For some reason, it's not as strong as it should be, and they don't know why. I'm supposed to make another appointment if things get worse, but he said there's not much he can do for me.
@@t.mshrews6708 Seems that way. I've had an endoscopy, which didn't really give us any answers. From there, I had an esophageal manometry and a video swallow study, where they concluded "something's wrong...but we don't know why"
I was diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis. I ate something and had to go to the hospital (out of town). They got a Gastro doc to remove the food and do a dilation of my esophagus. There is a 6- food elimination diet. Remove thee ingredients and most often you are ok: milk, egg, wheat, soy, peanuts/treenuts, and seafood (fish/shellfish). I cut milk and tree nuts as non-essential things and got better. I decided to go vegan and added back tree nuts to my diet with no problems. Don't take Prilosec or any acid reducing drugs as they just make the doctor wealthy and reduce you calcium absorption.
I think I definitely have a catcher problem. I can't swallow solids very well, but liquids and soft foods go down easy (like eggs, pudding, soft breads), but when I try to eat meat, cheese, chicken, etc it feels like I can't swallow it unless I tilt my head almost facing down and it goes down with ease. If I try to swallow normally (not tilting my head, it feels like I'm gonna choke on it and the gag reflex kicks in. Then after eating I feel like my throat is sore like I've been sick or something. I've been having this issue for almost a month now, I will be seeing my doctor next week.
@@1SpicyMeataball ja mam podobny problem jak jem np chleb to albo połykam male kawałki albo musze popijać chociaż odrobiną plynu. Mięso ciężko mi polknac. Jakie są twoje objawy malej ilością śliny? Czy czujesz ze jest jej za mało?
All of you with concerns should ask for a referral to a Speech Language pathologist that's specializes in swallowing disorders, or dysphagia. A true fear of swallowing is called phagophobia, and is related to anxiety. First, though you have to rule out a true swallowing problem.
i go for a esophagram and UGI next week i hope all is well for me i cant `get my food to gown down, when swollowing it feels like my throat is the size of a drinking straw
I don’t believe that CPD (achalasia) is the result of acid-induced mucosal (lining) inflammation. I do think CPS (spasm) may have an interrelationship, but is not by any means the entire explanation. These are opinions, however, and I’m not sure the science is settled on this question.
I’m 14 and I really need help here! I haven’t been able to swallow for about 10 months, when I got a stroke my whole left side of my body is like paralysed but I can move my leg and arm but they are super stiff when I move them or they spaz but my left side of my face can’t move but my eye can look around and I can close it but not close it like normal I can’t wink with my eye skin. I just want to swallow again ): the doctors find nothing. Help
Thank you. I have serious swallowing problems, and have endured two operations to 'stretch' my esophagus. It continues to worsen. I have M.S. Now it is not just trouble swallowing, but intense pain during the swallowing process - about where the heart is - both back and front. It feels something like a 'charleyhorse'. I am a missionary in Ecuador - anyone have any thoughts or suggestions? .
+Rebecca Sterling Very sorry to hear of your difficulty. Direct examination of the areas giving rise to symptoms as well as a videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) might be suggested by your physician. Pain is not a common symptom caused by neurological or mechanical limitations of swallowing, by the way. (Consider this informational, not medical advice. Don't act without your personal physician’s input.)
Hh Hh I’m a year late but it you still need help it’s either heart burn, or acid reflux, ask your doctor about it and they can prescribe you meds for it.
Thank you. Very nicely explained where I could understand about this medical issue that was discovered in my body today. More test scheduled. I have almost every symptom you spoke about. Hyperthyroidism putting pressure on throat hopes it ease symptoms once surgery is performed to remove Thyroid gland. Thank you for the information.
My problem is it feels like my throat is too tight. Anything I swallow that isn’t in liquid form gets stuck 99% of the time in the lower part of my throat. I have to use liquids to make it go down. And sometimes I have to cough it back up. I’m only 36 years old, but it is really annoying when it happens. I can literally swallow and swallow and the food just stays stuck at the bottom of my throat.
So sorry to hear this. We can't know what is best for you, but many start with a videofluoroscopic swallow study aka "cookie swallow" and best to see a laryngologist who deals with swallowing problems too.
I’m facing the same thing since I had a ear surgery.. I don’t know the intubation or what it was… The surgery was 3hrs, so could be the head position or something… It’s more than a month now and all I’m given is anxiety medicines… They put that scope inside and said it’s all fine.. It’s in my head… I don’t know what to do, how to get the confidence back in eating.. Sometimes it works fine then suddenly it will become tight and I swallow and swallow and still feel something’s there and then after a while that feeling goes away like that particle vanished.. But the feeling is real and I have developed a phobia of eating…!!
hi, my problem im having is the timing of swallowing I want to swallow before ive finished chewing. im having to think about when I swallow which is not normal. Ive also noticed when I do swallow I tilt my head to one side and also swallow with a gulp and not just swallow normally. please help im a 32yr old male.
I have the exact same thing and it keeps getting worse and worse now I can even deal w my own saliva. And I'm also worried that I'll make too much noise as I swallow and that makes my swallow even harder. It's getting really hard to eat around people..
@@ntinadov1477 i still have the same problem to this day but i have learnt to deal with it. Have you ever chock'ed on food? Before your problems i mean. Maybe in childhood?
I think I’m the only person this happens to, but when I swallow I’m not like a normal person swallowing. When I swallow my Adam apples goes down like every other guy, but everytime I swallow on the left side of my neck some muscle of something pops out. It’s so weird I’m the only person this happens to and I have anxiety because of it now. I don’t like people to watch me eat or drink, and now spit builds up because of anxiety. Can someone please tell me what is wrong with my throat. I have no clue why I’m the only person that has this weird issue.
I can only swallow my food with a gulp of water. Even then, I still have the sensation that something is stuck and I will cough, clear my throat, and my nose will run.
@@ead9195 not yet no. It gets worse by the day. Mine has been going on for 6 months. I have an appointment with an ENT but they cant see me until January! Hopefully yours will go away. If not, id make an appointment with an ENT asap. Good luck
@@shivakumarvjit Hi Shiva. Not sure what the reason is yet. Ive seen both an ENT and a Gastroenterologist and they do not know. One seems to think it could be allergy related, and the other thinks it could be some form of GERD or acid reflux. I am having a procedure and they will take a biopsy to see if it could cancer or something more serious. Best of luck to you.
I noticed that i coughed and difficulty chewing my food before i swallowed and I also it hurt when swallowing the solid food down and I was told before no straw when drinking with straw
A almost 4 years ago I was told I had stage 4 tongue cancer with 6 months to live... I had my tongue removed and got chemo/radiation haven't swallowed anything since April 2015 is it possible for me to relearn to swallow living on a feeding tube and cooking on spot it killing me where cancer failed
I had a swallowing problem for a long time nearly every night and I now drink plenty of water during the day and that has solved the problem,but if occasionally I don’t drink enough then It will come back. Water is amazing.
Yes really.i used to swallow for hours at night until I finally dropped off to sleep.And I also used to have problems with my nose and I was forever blowing it day and night for years ,especially at night and now I hardly blow it at all.
This is a problem that is probly overlooked after years ive been treated for everything but this ,never resolved , this is what i believe i need now ,great video ,but what occures that would of started this cituation in the first place.
When I was a child i couldn't swallow my sliva I would try than my throat would close up and I would panic. I grow out of that but a couple days ago I was eating chicken, corn I felt a piece of corn go down my throat but I was still chewing so I swallowed than I felt it get stuck I paniced and drunk some water it was hard and uncomfortable. It passed 1 hour later but yesterday I was eating chicken a piece got stuck in my throat I could feel it I drunk some water again but the water made it worse it was like someone tying a knot in my throat I could still breathe and talk but it drove me insane its so uncomfortable. I drunk some coke it kinda helped but than the piece passed. WHATS WRONG WITH ME? I can't even eat solid foods without thinking I'm gonna choke in my food pipe! I haven't gone to the doctor
what u just described is what i went thru / what im still going through. it like comes and goes. and idk if i should talk to my doctor :/ my mom says it’s all in my head
Do hiatal hernias and the relative distance of the stomach confuse the muscles of swallowing? I started having swallowing tightness since getting GERD, and I suspect a hernia.
Simple informative video well explaining calmly by Dr Bastian. Wish all lessons were presented in that calm manner for maximum digestion by the students!. Great stuff DR!
I have a dislocated hyoid bone, where it is pulled down and sitting on the thyroid cartilage, from a botched plastic surgery that surgeons are reluctant to concede even though one orthopedic doctor is certain just from palpating the area. Can a swallow test illustrate the action and position of the hyoid bone?
i have seen your video of Cricopharyngeal Spasm and it 99% my symptoms. I feel like i have a lump in my throat. I have difficult swallowing my saliva itself, ,but i do NOT have any problems at all swallowing food. I have been on nexium since 8 days and i can already feel the "lump" like feeling less in my throat bottom. what do you think;
I think I am expereincing the 'catcher' sphincter problem, however, mine has only occurred following a 'splinter' of some sort taken in with food at a cafe- that has been lodged in the back of my mouth tissues for over a year and a half now! I have been to several doctors, specialists, who are yet to even identify the foreign body. ( most likely a fine sliver of glass! not expected taken in with salad). I am at wits end with trying to get medical attention . to address. Why the ENT could not use a video endoscopy in the mouth to observe inflammation of tissues is beyond me, now I am experiencing more serious problems, that I would prefer they remove the foreign object first before operating to leaver the sphincter Open? Wouldn't that open you up to infection?
I have learned over the years to ALWAYS have water or other liquid to wash the food down with when it gets stuck. Meat, especially lean hamburger, gives me real trouble, but I have to be very careful about how I swallow anything that is rather dry. I choke easily and have sucked things down my windpipe causing pneumonia. I also suffer gerd which frequently causes pneumonia. I fear that I am heading for Barret's Esophagus and esophagial cancer.
Hi doc I have swallowed problem and acid reflux . all the time when ate I have the water ready because food difficult to go down today ate lunch feel like worst because food stuck Tried to drink water but worst so I slowly drink the water just but then finally the food down I was also cyst behind the tongue I don’t know if this problem or not please kindly help me if possible thank u
i am not sure if i actually do have the Catcher problem but i have had instances where food gets stuck and the only way to get it out is to vomit. I also have a hard time with pills as big ones tend to get stuck and the same thing happens. but normally i am fine if i take time and chew up my food as much as possible and then swallow and i wont have any problems. But swallowing big pills is always nearly impossible. should i get checked to see if i might have a serious problem? thanks.
+tyler cure If your sense of lodgment is mid-to low neck and happens more than rarely, then the initial step is to see an ENT doctor or laryngologist who is interested in swallowing disorders. After an examination, the first test is usually the videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), also known as the modified barium swallow. The finding to rule in or out is a cricopharyngeus bar with or without a zenker’s diverticulum. For more info go to: bastianmedicalmedia.com/videofluoroscopic-swallowing-study-vfss/ (Consider this informational, not medical advice. Don't act without your personal physician’s input.)
How do you analyse the problem of pitcher or catcher? My question is very important because my 5 years young daughter has swallowing issues. They want me to go with her next month to do a manometry check for pressure. But how do we know in the first place if the pitcher or catcher is doing problems. She has been to a xray video but it didn't went that well.. A child is never gonna be that coöperative..
+jozef danyi Pediatric swallowing problems are not my expertise. Please keep that in mind as you consider this response. The pitcher / catcher analogy is only a way to conceptualize the problem and derives primarily from the visual assessment of the transit of the boluses either during videoendoscopic swallow study, or VESS, or during the videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS). The former uses a scope and blue-stained applesauce, blue-stained water, and an orange cracker. It is arguably the better way to understand the propulsive (pitcher) function. VFSS uses instead barium liquid, paste, and "solid" (paste smeared on a cookie), and is better for the receptive side. In an adult practice, manometry is rarely needed. While pressure data can be interesting, it rarely changes actual management of the patient as compared with the information you get from VESS and VFSS. (Consider this informational, not medical advice. Don't act without your personal physician’s input.)
BVI03 I did mention that my child was on a x ray video. i assume that that would be the VFSS/VESS. After she swallowed liquid it stayed at the catcher i think. and the dr said that it goes very slowly down and thats why she spitts spittle after receiving liquid or anything. It is normal that spittle is produced when eating/drinking something. But we swallow it down. She cannot do that because the liquid is going very slowly down. Also throughout the day she sometimes spits out spittle.
+jozef danyi Swallowing problems in little children are outside of my expertise. With that disclaimer, I have never heard of cricopharyngeus dysfunction (the catcher problem) in a child. There are, however sometimes strictures in little ones. I am sure your doctors have thought about this. It sounds like that, or perhaps that the motility (muscle-determined sweeping of food through the esophagus (tube down to the stomach). I am sure your doctors are considering all of this... Again, all the best in your search. (Consider this informational, not medical advice. Don't act without your personal physician’s input).
BVI03 Yes my daughter had a check (a tube down to her stomach) and it seems like everything is ok. That's what the doctor said. If you are a specialist, would it be possible to have a consultation?
Suddenly hpn..feel something inside my throat..I can feel it all time..nw difficult to breathe..it's stuck..I vomit many time..drink alot of water..drink warm water but it's still same..2 times I meet the doctor n the doctor check he said it's just normal..no one understood wat I feel..nw I'm scary..wat it's tat actually..km difficult to swallow..it's is extra sels or something weird?? God help me pls😢
I am facing this issue from last 6 months, I am undergoing Ayurveda treatment in India. As my mom also suffered from this issue & underwent 3 throat operations[ She coudnt even drink water during last stage] , Then she went under 2 years complete Ayurvedic treatment & now alhamdulillah things are in control. As Ayurvedic treatment-- usually increase the disease to it peak level & then cut out its roots.. So it wont occur in future. Also it wont have any side effects on other body organs
Wouldn't crycopharyngeal myotomy then contribute to gastric reflux if the upper esophageal sphincter is always open? I have both "pitcher" and "catcher" issues, full-on dysphagia following throat cancer treatment in 2004, and now strictly tube-fed. I'd love to eat by mouth again, and I'm keenly interested in new information and procedures that might allow that.
I have recently not been able to sleep because when i need to swallow saliva I can`t just do it automatically I need to make efforts to do so, This also seems to block my breathing until I manage to swallow which is alarming. This seems to effect me when i`m trying to sleep.
Very interested in what your doc says about this as I also have a similar problem I keep gasping for air as I am dozing off to sleep or I am already sleeping and it wakes me up and I have to jump out of bed banging my chest for a few mins I also have a problem swallowing saliva thank could you please update me how your problems is
@@ianofliverpool7701 thanks for replying I have tried but as you know it's phone apps only an D very difficult to describe so doc is writing to specialist which is gonna take months I suppose I'm better going private to quicken things
THANK YOU so much for the info. I have an appointment with an ear,nose throat on Friday to scope my throat I have bee having a chocking pro this is a bit different, in my case I chose I chock on my on spit I start to cough the what ever closes in my throat won't reopen making me gasping for any air I can get down. I saw the part were a Doctor may snip the thing open so [m not dying of not getting any air in. It gives me hope.
So sorry to hear of your trouble, but do please look at the video on laryngospasm because it sounds like that may be your issue more than a swallowing problem. Laryngospasm is sometimes triggered by a drip, or a feeling of a drip of saliva.
I feel like i have both of these problems as sometimes when i swallow my food or even saliva it feels like i am unable to fully complete the swallow and i fear that i may have aspirated it. I have suffered from GERD for a few years now but this swallowing issue started last year. The confusing part though is that i feel this odd esophageal spasm almost like a vibration in my chest(sometimes) BUT i relate to this video perfectly -.0
That is the problem I'm having I haven't eaten any solid foods for a month I've been to a GI doctor they found nothing now I'm going for another test I am so scared I wish I can go to this doctor here he knows exactly what's going on with me inside me
@@sherrielougilbert1731 Thanks!! Please give more details about the procedure..My doctor is not able to diagnose and find the issue..He thinks it's because of anxiety
One time I was almost dying of this problem. I said that's it I'm going. Not a pleasant way to die. Because panic will kill you before the thing stuck in your throat. And if water is the thing, it's worse.
I choked on a metformin pill yr ago had to call paramedics almost choked to death. Very scary! Take pill 1 at time with applesauce or your. Helps! Went to speech therapist today we exrayed yr ago found nothing.Speech Therapist said I have cricopharyungeai hypertrophy. Need to see Doc to have a moving exray and swallow test. Feel. Much better knowing there's a fix for this. See a speech therapist ❤
a friend of mine has a pitcher and catcher problem which increased in only one year so fast that we have serious problems in food choices.she cannot drink and eat at the same time.She always coughes after drinking and her voice gets heavy after eating. Even soft things like pumpkin soup are a problem and it worsens . she has been to a doctor who documented her chewing and swallowing with a tiny camera and x-rays ,but they said everything is fine .only her logopedian believes her. HELP !!!!!!
Buledi Karin sorry to hear this my docs act like I'm faking this as well I'm 21 tell her to try eating mashed potatoes it sorta works for me I'll pray God bless you both I'll pray for her
My food and drinks gets stuck down a bit further down in my chest more in-between my esophagus near my stomach opening. It gets painful enough to where I feel like I am having heart issues, sharp pain towards my back. I eat some simple foods like yogurt and it stays put and gets painful. Even if I drink something I wait to see if it will go down or will I have to go force myself to throw up I even try to just burp to release that intense discomfort. I even have issues to where I actually bubble and foam comes up and I need to get things out right away. It doesn't happen everyday but, at least a couple of times a week and even though the weight loss is nice I know it isn't the healthy way. I have done the barium swallow test and the scope down my nose and nothing. I take meds daily for acid reflux and it continues to happen. I know I have the pitcher and catcher problem but, it is getting to be a major issue. My husband knows when it happens because I stop eating and just sit.
I've tried all the meds that were supposed to help-THEN-as the last alternative-I was prescribed ACIPHEX. If I take one twice per day, I have a much easier time. However, I've recently been without the ACIPHEX, which is why I am on here. I probably need to go to the ED/ER but am not able to right now. Good luck you guys, I know I need it right now:(
Can *swallowing difficulties* (1) come from neck spine issues due to tendency to sleep on stomach & turning head sideways,as well as too high pillow / angled neck? Where I live the earliest ENT appointment I can get is in January ... but since I have a strong suspiction it's connected (due to how it started), and an orthopedist appointment woulld be possible end of next month, I wonder whether that's a good idea, though he can't look into the throat. Also I often have the typical computer programmer posture with forward neck & angled upwards head, which, for some reason, I also tend to fall into now when practising singing (serious hobby, opera -> yawning & greater forces involved than other singing. But I did this before years ago, without these problems. It seems to disturb singing by excess tension in neck, but lowering the larynx does not feel impeded atall) (1) weird extra resistance starting to occur at half of the travel of the larynx from resting position to upper position when swallowing, but it feels like the larynx/thyroid spend some force to overcome something small, and then travel the rest upwards very quickly. Can be modulated by altering head direction, neck angle etc. It started maybe 6..12 months ago, in the morning, first it would resolve after an hour, later longer, and now it's never totally gone.
I've had this over a year now and to make matters worse I have practically lost all my smell and taste(not due to covid) in the past 2 years. and food in general is repulsive to me. I eat a frozen pancake and maybe some spaghetti standing up. I am missing a lot of teeth and my 2 front teeth are rotting away. I have been hoarse for over a year and have to clear my throat. Some things burn as I swallow like jelly or ketchup. Bread is very difficult to swallow. Why haven't I gone to doctors or hospital? Because I suffer from extreme generalized anxiety disorder as well as o.c.d.s I have to "catch" my breath and I do this 24 hrs a day. I hope by doing that I didn't make my swallowing problem worse. I have very bad allergies and my body has atrophied in the past 2 years. I want to die but am afraid to die and afraid to take my life. I don't want to live on a feeding tube or intravenous or in a nursing home. I lost 80 pounds over 2 years but have remained at 144 -146 in the past month. I have 2 thyroid nodules and am slightly hyperthyroid but don't like taking the ptu. One nodule was biopsied 30 years ago benign. Since I lost my ability to taste food and swallow normally I don't want to live anymore. All my friends say go to hospital but with my anxiety and catching breath issue there's no way I could lie in a hospital bed and endure the tests and procedures and possible surgeries. I tried ensure but it makes me nauseous and sick and very dry and I become very gaseous. Plus I have so so many other physical and mental afflictions and live all alone. I'm 70 and hope to God this life ends very soon. Thank you for listening doctor. I just realized this video was made 9 years ago and this doctor could very well be dead.
oh i feel so sorry for you. :( you are going through more than what i came to this video for.. how are you doing? Please go see a doctor, i also have anxiety but the doctors could really help you through what you’re going through
Initial approaches involve dietary changes (avoiding alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine, acidic foods, and possibly gluten) and trying not to eat for 3 hours before bed. Also, many take an OTC acid reducer like omeprazole. Surgery is the last choice to manage reflux, and is for those with severe, documented GERD or LPR unresponsive to conservative measure of management. Look for the article "When Acid Reflux Treatment Takes You Down a Rabbit Trail" on our website for greater understanding of GERD and LPR symptoms, as well as tools for management. (Consider this informational, not medical advice. Don't act without your personal physician’s input.)
My husband just had neck surgery 3 Disc replaced on a plate put in when he swallows coffee in the morning it pours out his nose he's having trouble with most liquids going down his nose what's happening?
The best explanation of swallowing problems I have come across. After Radio Therapy to the neck for cancer, I have been left with choking on foods for 5 years. The only thing is, I'm not in a hurry for the surgery you have recommended, but thank you for an excellent presentation using your model and knowledge. Priceless!
Thanks for your kind words. Remember that precision of diagnosis is what is needed for every individual. All the best to you.
I think part of my problem swallowing, is anxiety related, because I tend to find it alot easier
to eat food after a stiff drop of Gin.
lol
Exactly like me I can’t eat but when I have a drink with friends or even myself when I get home and I’m still drunk I can eat like a fucking bull I wake up the next day I shit myself trying to swallow any food
@@Jetonhidri i think i should drink Gin now. This happened to me for the first time when i was eating, out of nowhere i cant breath and food is stuck in my throat. I thought i was gonna die
i've recently discovered this weird sensation in my throat when i swallow where it feels like stuff is still there.... LET ME TELL YOU... it's just a sensation and nothing is actually there. It happens when I think about it then a few minutes after eating it passes. I don't know if its a fear of choking or vomiting or what but it's deff real. Just know your mind can play tricks on you
@@jcfjav how are u now
How are u now
@@kelvinbethrand8914 Much better now.
You probably have scar tissue.
@@Noitisnt-ns7mo from what is that?
Thank you doctor! This has been helpful. The anxiety of food getting stuck has been unbearable. I have a doctors appointment and hopefully referred to an ENT.
Me too 😭
I have this problem right now 😢😢😢😢
same as me, anxiety of food getting stuck has been nightmare for me for years now, every time i go to a doctor they tell me you are just fine and they couldn't know my issue nether i don't know but now watching this, i am almost 99% sure this is my issue ( Catcher opener )
I had thyroid cancer 2 yrs ago. I have choked 5 times in 6 months. It is so scary. I almost passed out. I was alone twice. I chew tiny bites for several minutes then drink lot with each bite. I do not know why I choke. I am going back to my surgeon to find out if it's scar tissue or what. Good luck to everyone.
Wow, this is one of the best and informative videos I have ever seen on TH-cam. Excellent presentation by Dr. Bastian! Great explanation of a complex subject in a patient and calm manner. Thank you!
I am from Ethiopia decades whth this swallowing problem.
I liked and appreciate the way u teach, how u introduce and summerize so that non-medical men like me could understand the lesson.
You are intellgent and in deed made me things cleared.
Hi How are you? I am too from Ethiopia.How about now? Did you find any solution? I am with similar problem.
I have a problem swallowing and it's happening a lot more lately. It's embarrassing in a restaurant when it happens. I know when it's going to happen, too. My throat seems to not be able to break up some food anymore. I try and swallow and the back of my throat fills up with phlegm (this happens after I have already swallowed the food). I panic and phlegm builds up in my throat and I have to spit it out in several napkins until the food that's lodged goes down the rest of my throat. I wish I could do something to correct it.
I have same problem what to do please suggest
It's EoE @@arindamchakravarty59
Did you find something, how are you now?@@arindamchakravarty59
@arindamchakravarty59 does your food eventually go down or have you had to adopt ways to force it?
@lorivattes5475 - 4 years later, what’s happening? I’ve had this for 24 years and doctors are useless. But I may have found a possible cure by chance. Either that or it’s just luck.
I anxiety of food getting stuck has been nightmare for me for years now, every time i go to a doctor they tell me you are just fine and they couldn't know my issue nether i don't know but now watching this, i am almost 99% sure this is my issue ( Catcher opener ). sometimes i can eat everything go fine and another time i feel food get stuck in the middle down of my trout that will make my breath difficult ... thanks you Dr. Robert i Love you
Same with me. I was told nothing is wrong. I have been dealing with this for 30 years.
I’m convinced that my throat is just too small for pills 😞
Tia Mason me too. I thought I was the only one who had trouble swallowing pills.
FOR REAL THE SHIT WONT GO DOWN
Yeah it’s so not fair
What i've discovered is that the only real way for me to swallow pills is to put a small portion of food with the pill. I think the mind tricks your swallowing because pills aren't food. Even when i put just a small piece of bread or a potato chip I am able to swallow like there is no pill. So basically try just chewing a little food up then popping the pill in and swallow. works for me 100% of the time.
Agreed
When I went to my last check on my swallowing it was to drink something and just swallow,an e ray.
After the the e ray in swallowing, she told me there was nothing they could do, this was on 2022, before I left to move to Texas, I’m was in California.
She said I’d they would open something in May throat, I didn’t know what she meant. But, if they would open the part for me to swallow , that would not be good, because I would always be just throwing up my food, and cause reaction to my etsofagous.
So, I just left I didn’t want to do anything more.
I still have problems swallowing soft and meat and bread and potatoes.
But, thank you Doctor for your teaching. Appreciate you so much.
God bless on blessing others. Diana
I need serious help. I'm way to young to have swallowing problems, but I have anxiety when swallowing cause I might choke and I get a funny feeling near the end of my mouth. I haven't had a decent meal in weeks and I can't eat anything. At school I take one bite of my lunch and right now I have the choking feeling please help!
Akparri The Gaming Cat i am haveing these same problem and i suffer from anxiety i can suggest you a methord to eat food ..chew the food (dont swallow) take a deep breath the hold the breath ,the push the chewed food ,after swallowing release the breath...do the process step by step and slowly , take enough time ...it will help ...this is ma personal experience..dont be afraid ..you will be oke soon .(sorry for ma bad english) may god bless you ❤️❤️❤️
Akparri The Gaming Cat tell your parent
gamer lying stallax
Find a way to throw up to take out all things that are in throat.. I used boiled water with salt it really helps
Akparri The Gaming Cat very sorry to hear this god bless you I'm 21 and the problems for me started around 20 then went away and came back much worse I will pray for God bless you
Thank you so much Doctor. I have been searching for months and thank God you came along. Now i can talk to my Doctor Intelligently about my symptoms. They tell me it's all in my mind but the chocking and breathing problems are real. Again, thank you.
Surfer 10 yes the docs tried telling me it was anxiety but it's not please let me know if you find out what's wrong god bless
Hi Surfer 10, have you had nose surgery done? If so, look into nasal nerve damage or empty nose syndrome . I have been having swallowing/clearing of throat and asphyxiation issues since having septoplasty and turbinectomy.
Best explanation I have heard.
I am from Va. and consulted with 3 doctors who failed to explain what I am experiencing as the result of neck surgery by an orthopedic surgeon.
I have both pitcher and catcher issues; although the pitcher's saliva did away with my dry mouth problems. it is the catcher issues that have me worried as I age. Steak, lettuce, tomatoes, grapes are verboten.
i first start choking, the coughing, then runny nose-disgusting to watch!
Thanks to Dr. Bastian's video and you tube I can go back to Johns Hopkins to discuss a plan of treatment or better yet go to Illinois and see Dr. Bastian. Sounds like a worthwhile road trip.
Omg this is the same prob I’m having and am desperate for relief! Please update us!!
Thank you so much for the video doctor. This was very helpful.
Thanks so much for this information. I've been looking for answers for a while and now understand that I have a "pitcher" problem. Every bit of information leads further to an understanding of what is going on. I have been tested by a few doctors who have not helped and I don't want to get another barium swallow and more radiation. I put an illustration of a swallow in my kitchen and try to focus on my epiglottis closing (which seems to be where the problem is). This seems to help. I also have found that holding my head slightly forward , chin down seems to help. I have not choked on water for five days now!
I also just realized that I have a pitcher problem. The head chin tuck technique seems to help me alot, but I also think anxiety started this swallowing problem for me. I also make sure to take sips instead of huge gulps.
I was just diagnosed with Achalasia, a rare esophagus disease. WILL go to see surgeon on the 27th. Got bless all of you. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Hope y'all are fine now
Very good, clear explanation given in an excellent manner. Thanks !
My sister has both of those problems right now. She is 66 and bedridden now with a lot of other health issues. She's had a hard time swallowing for years, but now she's in the hospital and her Dr says that her esophagus opening has the diameter size of a pencil eraser. 😢
For the past 3-4 years her doctor has been stretching (dilating) her esophagus every so often so she can eat, but now the Doctor is saying that there's nothing else they can do for her except put in a feeding tube. Her health is too poor for her to have surgery. Her weight has gone down to 140 lbs from 280 this past year. I'm afraid she's gonna die because she doesn't want to live with a feeding tube. Her doctor is saying that there is no other alternative. I'm holding on to hope and praying that something can be done for her. 🙏🙏😢
Thank you for this video!!
❤ I just want to say I'm sorry. That makes me so sad. Just tell her she can still taste food just to spit it out you will find some sort of pleasure I'm sure bless her heart I will pray for her.
Praying for your sister , she gets better and praying for the doctors , in Jesus name. May he give them wisdom and God give them knowledge to cute her problem. Amen🙏🙏🙌💕
How's she now?
1. A subset of ear, nose, and throat doctors (laryngologists) focus on swallowing. 2) a subset of speech pathologists evaluate and do behavioral counseling. 3) A small subset of GI doctors. Best bet is to call large ENT groups whether private or university-based and ask the triage nurse: "Does any of your physicians specialize in swallowing problems?"
What if it's not just a feeling of the catcher problem but it seems as though food is going past the opening into the esophagus and getting stuck inside of the esophagus almost as if the muscles inside of the esophagus are not pulling food down into the stomach and is causing a sensation of tightness on the left or right side of the throat and the pressure in the throat when breathing in?
You are amazing doctor, we all appreciate you.
Excellent presentation Dr!
I can't swollow my spit very well
Same I feel like that when I think about it to much
Same I scared to eat
Me to im scared to eat
Same is theee a way to fix
That means we have strept
You did a good job explaining....My 77 year old wife has a swaloowoinh problem in a nursing home. Another nursing home did a swallow studuy and took her off puree and on machanical soft diet and it seem wo work good but this new nursing home speech therapist changed her t all puree diet and my wife will not eat it very good because of the taste. What can we do? She is loosing her strength and loosing weight and no energy because obviously she will not eat properly.......
Thank you for this video. This has been a lot of help and a clear discription of the possible problems.
You are so welcome and all the best...
I found the info on the catcher very informative: solid foods like meat, pills and gummy breads, tend to get stuck at the cryco pharyngeal junction where a spincter is for opening up the esophagus and this can be fixed by myotomy overnight at a hospital.
I don't have the money to fix it
Thank you so much for sharing . I have this swallowing for couple years , no Dr. knew what 's wrong with me , now i can tell my Dr.
i have a both problem in pitcher and catcher because i felt all the symptoms that indicated after i finished to watch the video and also i have a GERD disease. I change my lifestyle it comes to eating, I only eat fruits and vegetables.
Excellent information delivered in a clear and concise manner, thank you!
I've been having trouble swallowing for over a year now. It feels like my body can't force food down my throat. It feels like a "pitching" problem, but I am not bothered by liquids. I only have trouble with food. It just started out of the blue. In the begging it came and went, but now, I have trouble all the time. Recently I decided that enough is enough, it's time to fix this. My doctor has ordered some tests, but I'm worried that she's not understanding what I'm experiencing. Maybe I'm not explaining it well. I'm hoping what I learned in this video can help me discuss this with my doctor.
@@magz6763 it's a scary thing!
You get any answers?
@@t.mshrews6708 Yes and no. The Dr said my esophagus is "weak." For some reason, it's not as strong as it should be, and they don't know why. I'm supposed to make another appointment if things get worse, but he said there's not much he can do for me.
@@cristinasantiago2522 so it wasn't a pitcher problem? It was kinda a catcher problem. Any meds to help? What kind of tests did they do to find it?
@@t.mshrews6708 Seems that way. I've had an endoscopy, which didn't really give us any answers. From there, I had an esophageal manometry and a video swallow study, where they concluded "something's wrong...but we don't know why"
I was diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis. I ate something and had to go to the hospital (out of town). They got a Gastro doc to remove the food and do a dilation of my esophagus. There is a 6- food elimination diet. Remove thee ingredients and most often you are ok: milk, egg, wheat, soy, peanuts/treenuts, and seafood (fish/shellfish). I cut milk and tree nuts as non-essential things and got better. I decided to go vegan and added back tree nuts to my diet with no problems. Don't take Prilosec or any acid reducing drugs as they just make the doctor wealthy and reduce you calcium absorption.
I'm also diagnosed with eoe recently, can you help me. How are you doing now?
I think I definitely have a catcher problem. I can't swallow solids very well, but liquids and soft foods go down easy (like eggs, pudding, soft breads), but when I try to eat meat, cheese, chicken, etc it feels like I can't swallow it unless I tilt my head almost facing down and it goes down with ease. If I try to swallow normally (not tilting my head, it feels like I'm gonna choke on it and the gag reflex kicks in. Then after eating I feel like my throat is sore like I've been sick or something. I've been having this issue for almost a month now, I will be seeing my doctor next week.
Charliegone please tell me if you do decide out what's going on I have the same symtoms
i mash my food down or put it in a blender it works well for me!
I had a similar problem, I got diagnosed with Sjrogens. I don't make enough saliva.
Charliegone how is ur symptoms now?
@@1SpicyMeataball ja mam podobny problem jak jem np chleb to albo połykam male kawałki albo musze popijać chociaż odrobiną plynu. Mięso ciężko mi polknac. Jakie są twoje objawy malej ilością śliny? Czy czujesz ze jest jej za mało?
Thanks for sharing this important video
I know now that I will need surgery
Thank you so much for explaining swallowing problems so brilliantly. Now finally I know how to try to handle my pushing problem.
Happy to help!
I feel like my swallowing issue is with the pitching. It's hard for my me make the swallow but I have no neurological disorders, is that possible?
You still have that problem?
Same here.. I can eat food and drink water.. But I can't pitch it in and have no neurological disorders
Thanks to you for a nice and easy way to explain the swallowing problem.I am a patient of myasthenia gravis and suffering a alot.Its helpful for me.
Thank you for the video..very informational!!❤
All of you with concerns should ask for a referral to a Speech Language pathologist that's specializes in swallowing disorders, or dysphagia. A true fear of swallowing is called phagophobia, and is related to anxiety. First, though you have to rule out a true swallowing problem.
i go for a esophagram and UGI next week i hope all is well for me i cant `get my food to gown down, when swollowing it feels like my throat is the size of a drinking straw
did you ever get your problem fixed?
Yes I agree managing reflux is making simple steps. I wonder if reflux also causes CP Achalasia and or fish ingestion incident.
I don’t believe that CPD (achalasia) is the result of acid-induced mucosal (lining) inflammation. I do think CPS (spasm) may have an interrelationship, but is not by any means the entire explanation. These are opinions, however, and I’m not sure the science is settled on this question.
I only have problems. With medicine pills. Its very frustrating
i like to take a big drink of water and keep it in my mouth then put the pill in. and try to swallow all of it at once
Same
Throw away your peels. Let your food be your medicine. I said fresh and live food. Not factory prosses food.
You should put pills in the water and then drink .
I’m 14 and I really need help here! I haven’t been able to swallow for about 10 months, when I got a stroke my whole left side of my body is like paralysed but I can move my leg and arm but they are super stiff when I move them or they spaz but my left side of my face can’t move but my eye can look around and I can close it but not close it like normal I can’t wink with my eye skin. I just want to swallow again ): the doctors find nothing. Help
Thank you. I have serious swallowing problems, and have endured two operations to 'stretch' my esophagus. It continues to worsen. I have M.S. Now it is not just trouble swallowing, but intense pain during the swallowing process - about where the heart is - both back and front. It feels something like a 'charleyhorse'. I am a missionary in Ecuador - anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?
.
+Rebecca Sterling Very sorry to hear of your difficulty. Direct examination of the areas giving rise to symptoms as well as a videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) might be suggested by your physician. Pain is not a common symptom caused by neurological or mechanical limitations of swallowing, by the way. (Consider this informational, not medical advice. Don't act without your personal physician’s input.)
Yes I'm 21 and I have pain as well in back in heart area I also get a bubble in my upper chest/ abdomen did you find out what going on? God bless
Hh Hh I’m a year late but it you still need help it’s either heart burn, or acid reflux, ask your doctor about it and they can prescribe you meds for it.
Hh Hh also drink lots of water
Take pills with applesauce, yogurt,sauces, dip 1pill at time. Seeing a speech therapist can help and show you how to deal with this problem❤
Thank you. Very nicely explained where I could understand about this medical issue that was discovered in my body today. More test scheduled. I have almost every symptom you spoke about. Hyperthyroidism putting pressure on throat hopes it ease symptoms once surgery is performed to remove Thyroid gland. Thank you for the information.
My problem is it feels like my throat is too tight. Anything I swallow that isn’t in liquid form gets stuck 99% of the time in the lower part of my throat. I have to use liquids to make it go down. And sometimes I have to cough it back up. I’m only 36 years old, but it is really annoying when it happens. I can literally swallow and swallow and the food just stays stuck at the bottom of my throat.
Sorry to hear...a swallowing expert could help. Look for Laryngopedia's "Swallowing Trouble 101" and "VESS" videos. They will help to orient you...
So sorry to hear this. We can't know what is best for you, but many start with a videofluoroscopic swallow study aka "cookie swallow" and best to see a laryngologist who deals with swallowing problems too.
I’m facing the same thing since I had a ear surgery.. I don’t know the intubation or what it was… The surgery was 3hrs, so could be the head position or something… It’s more than a month now and all I’m given is anxiety medicines… They put that scope inside and said it’s all fine.. It’s in my head… I don’t know what to do, how to get the confidence back in eating.. Sometimes it works fine then suddenly it will become tight and I swallow and swallow and still feel something’s there and then after a while that feeling goes away like that particle vanished.. But the feeling is real and I have developed a phobia of eating…!!
hi, my problem im having is the timing of swallowing I want to swallow before ive finished chewing. im having to think about when I swallow which is not normal. Ive also noticed when I do swallow I tilt my head to one side and also swallow with a gulp and not just swallow normally. please help im a 32yr old male.
fordmondeo123 do you get over this? I have the same thing
Tj Baker yes part of .y symptoms too any luck finding out what it is god bless you
I have the exact same thing and it keeps getting worse and worse now I can even deal w my own saliva. And I'm also worried that I'll make too much noise as I swallow and that makes my swallow even harder. It's getting really hard to eat around people..
@@ntinadov1477 i still have the same problem to this day but i have learnt to deal with it. Have you ever chock'ed on food? Before your problems i mean. Maybe in childhood?
@@fordmondeo123 no this whole thing started a couple of years ago..
Very, very good info!
Thank you!
I think I’m the only person this happens to, but when I swallow I’m not like a normal person swallowing. When I swallow my Adam apples goes down like every other guy, but everytime I swallow on the left side of my neck some muscle of something pops out. It’s so weird I’m the only person this happens to and I have anxiety because of it now. I don’t like people to watch me eat or drink, and now spit builds up because of anxiety. Can someone please tell me what is wrong with my throat. I have no clue why I’m the only person that has this weird issue.
I can only swallow my food with a gulp of water. Even then, I still have the sensation that something is stuck and I will cough, clear my throat, and my nose will run.
Hey dustin, did yours go away? Ive had mine for 6 days now and getting scared.
@Nathan Smith did yours go away? q
@@ead9195 not yet no. It gets worse by the day. Mine has been going on for 6 months. I have an appointment with an ENT but they cant see me until January! Hopefully yours will go away. If not, id make an appointment with an ENT asap. Good luck
@@drcoffins Hi, What was the reason?? I am also suffering from the same problem. May i ask how old are you ?
@@shivakumarvjit Hi Shiva. Not sure what the reason is yet. Ive seen both an ENT and a Gastroenterologist and they do not know. One seems to think it could be allergy related, and the other thinks it could be some form of GERD or acid reflux. I am having a procedure and they will take a biopsy to see if it could cancer or something more serious. Best of luck to you.
I noticed that i coughed and difficulty chewing my food before i swallowed and I also it hurt when swallowing the solid food down and I was told before no straw when drinking with straw
A almost 4 years ago I was told I had stage 4 tongue cancer with 6 months to live... I had my tongue removed and got chemo/radiation haven't swallowed anything since April 2015 is it possible for me to relearn to swallow living on a feeding tube and cooking on spot it killing me where cancer failed
Thank you very much for this excellent video
I had a swallowing problem for a long time nearly every night and I now drink plenty of water during the day and that has solved the problem,but if occasionally I don’t drink enough then It will come back.
Water is amazing.
Wow really?
Yes really.i used to swallow for hours at night until I finally dropped off to sleep.And I also used to have problems with my nose and I was forever blowing it day and night for years ,especially at night and now I hardly blow it at all.
Very well explained and highly appreciated the way swallowing issue is explained in effective and simple way for a command person. 😊
Glad it was helpful!
This is a problem that is probly overlooked after years ive been treated for everything but this ,never resolved , this is what i believe i need now ,great video ,but what occures that would of started this cituation in the first place.
Does movement in nodding or cervical extension will change the movement of the epiglottis? How's
When I was a child i couldn't swallow my sliva I would try than my throat would close up and I would panic. I grow out of that but a couple days ago I was eating chicken, corn I felt a piece of corn go down my throat but I was still chewing so I swallowed than I felt it get stuck I paniced and drunk some water it was hard and uncomfortable. It passed 1 hour later but yesterday I was eating chicken a piece got stuck in my throat I could feel it I drunk some water again but the water made it worse it was like someone tying a knot in my throat I could still breathe and talk but it drove me insane its so uncomfortable. I drunk some coke it kinda helped but than the piece passed. WHATS WRONG WITH ME? I can't even eat solid foods without thinking I'm gonna choke in my food pipe! I haven't gone to the doctor
Not sure if your still having the problem but Maybe go with liquids for now and get checked by a doctor
what u just described is what i went thru / what im still going through. it like comes and goes. and idk if i should talk to my doctor :/ my mom says it’s all in my head
THANK YOUUU!!! I’ve been struggling for years!! Crohns, etc
You are very welcome, and all the best to you!
Do hiatal hernias and the relative distance of the stomach confuse the muscles of swallowing? I started having swallowing tightness since getting GERD, and I suspect a hernia.
Simple informative video well explaining calmly by Dr Bastian. Wish all lessons were presented in that calm manner for maximum digestion by the students!. Great stuff DR!
So nice of you =)
How about i feel something tingling in my throat probably worm after i deworm pls help me
Dr., thank you for sharing. This is a very informative video for patients and professionals.
I have a dislocated hyoid bone, where it is pulled down and sitting on the thyroid cartilage, from a botched plastic surgery that surgeons are reluctant to concede even though one orthopedic doctor is certain just from palpating the area. Can a swallow test illustrate the action and position of the hyoid bone?
i have seen your video of Cricopharyngeal Spasm and it 99% my symptoms. I feel like i have a lump in my throat. I have difficult swallowing my saliva itself, ,but i do NOT have any problems at all swallowing food. I have been on nexium since 8 days and i can already feel the "lump" like feeling less in my throat bottom. what do you think;
I have the same problem right now i have no idea what it is I'm scared as hell
I think I am expereincing the 'catcher' sphincter problem, however, mine has only occurred following a 'splinter' of some sort taken in with food at a cafe- that has been lodged in the back of my mouth tissues for over a year and a half now! I have been to several doctors, specialists, who are yet to even identify the foreign body. ( most likely a fine sliver of glass! not expected taken in with salad). I am at wits end with trying to get medical attention . to address. Why the ENT could not use a video endoscopy in the mouth to observe inflammation of tissues is beyond me, now I am experiencing more serious problems, that I would prefer they remove the foreign object first before operating to leaver the sphincter Open? Wouldn't that open you up to infection?
Thank you sir. my insight on dysphagia eval and mngt has increased because of this video.
I have learned over the years to ALWAYS have water or other liquid to wash the food down with when it gets stuck. Meat, especially lean hamburger, gives me real trouble, but I have to be very careful about how I swallow anything that is rather dry. I choke easily and have sucked things down my windpipe causing pneumonia. I also suffer gerd which frequently causes pneumonia. I fear that I am heading for Barret's Esophagus and esophagial cancer.
How are you doing now?
Is that surgery for the catcher dangerous or have any risk ?
Hi doc I have swallowed
problem and acid reflux . all the time when ate I have the water ready because food difficult to go down today ate lunch feel like worst because food stuck Tried to drink water but worst so I slowly drink the water just but then finally the food down I was also cyst behind the tongue I don’t know if this problem or not please kindly help me if possible thank u
Please help idk if it's BEACUSE my throat is dry but I'm shaking because I have the feeling I can't swallow for a couple of second I'm drinking water
DoooDELS S this is the same for me too
i am not sure if i actually do have the Catcher problem but i have had instances where food gets stuck and the only way to get it out is to vomit. I also have a hard time with pills as big ones tend to get stuck and the same thing happens. but normally i am fine if i take time and chew up my food as much as possible and then swallow and i wont have any problems. But swallowing big pills is always nearly impossible. should i get checked to see if i might have a serious problem? thanks.
+tyler cure If your sense of lodgment is mid-to low neck and happens more than rarely, then the initial step is to see an ENT doctor or laryngologist who is interested in swallowing disorders. After an examination, the first test is usually the videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), also known as the modified barium swallow. The finding to rule in or out is a cricopharyngeus bar with or without a zenker’s diverticulum. For more info go to: bastianmedicalmedia.com/videofluoroscopic-swallowing-study-vfss/ (Consider this informational, not medical advice. Don't act without your personal physician’s input.)
How do you analyse the problem of pitcher or catcher? My question is very important because my 5 years young daughter has swallowing issues. They want me to go with her next month to do a manometry check for pressure.
But how do we know in the first place if the pitcher or catcher is doing problems. She has been to a xray video but it didn't went that well.. A child is never gonna be that coöperative..
+jozef danyi Pediatric swallowing problems are not my expertise. Please keep that in mind as you consider this response. The pitcher / catcher analogy is only a way to conceptualize the problem and derives primarily from the visual assessment of the transit of the boluses either during videoendoscopic swallow study, or VESS, or during the videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS). The former uses a scope and blue-stained applesauce, blue-stained water, and an orange cracker. It is arguably the better way to understand the propulsive (pitcher) function. VFSS uses instead barium liquid, paste, and "solid" (paste smeared on a cookie), and is better for the receptive side. In an adult practice, manometry is rarely needed. While pressure data can be interesting, it rarely changes actual management of the patient as compared with the information you get from VESS and VFSS. (Consider this informational, not medical advice. Don't act without your personal physician’s input.)
Thank you for the response and the info
BVI03
BVI03 I did mention that my child was on a x ray video. i assume that that would be the VFSS/VESS. After she swallowed liquid it stayed at the catcher i think. and the dr said that it goes very slowly down and thats why she spitts spittle after receiving liquid or anything. It is normal that spittle is produced when eating/drinking something. But we swallow it down. She cannot do that because the liquid is going very slowly down. Also throughout the day she sometimes spits out spittle.
+jozef danyi Swallowing problems in little children are outside of my expertise. With that disclaimer, I have never heard of cricopharyngeus dysfunction (the catcher problem) in a child. There are, however sometimes strictures in little ones. I am sure your doctors have thought about this. It sounds like that, or perhaps that the motility (muscle-determined sweeping of food through the esophagus (tube down to the stomach). I am sure your doctors are considering all of this... Again, all the best in your search. (Consider this informational, not medical advice. Don't act without your personal physician’s input).
BVI03 Yes my daughter had a check (a tube down to her stomach) and it seems like everything is ok. That's what the doctor said. If you are a specialist, would it be possible to have a consultation?
Suddenly hpn..feel something inside my throat..I can feel it all time..nw difficult to breathe..it's stuck..I vomit many time..drink alot of water..drink warm water but it's still same..2 times I meet the doctor n the doctor check he said it's just normal..no one understood wat I feel..nw I'm scary..wat it's tat actually..km difficult to swallow..it's is extra sels or something weird?? God help me pls😢
did you ever find a solution? how long did it take
Go to ENT DR
Could a problem like this have a psychiatric cause. My symptoms seem to improve when I take anti anxiety pills.
Renzo Rodriguez do you still with this problem?
Vanessa Montes yes :(
Renzo Rodriguez don’t take those pills it’ll work with any kind of pills because pills help you gain an appetite
What pills helped wit this?
Peace you have done Amazing job with the break down I must go get check out at times when I drink somethings its seams my life is over can't breathe
Would an endoscopy establish if its a pitcher or catcher problem?
Pls make video on How to treat laryngopharngeal reflux subsequent to hiatal hernia proton pump inhibitors doesnt work for me
If esophagus displaced, then how can I restore it?
I am facing this issue from last 6 months, I am undergoing Ayurveda treatment in India. As my mom also suffered from this issue & underwent 3 throat operations[ She coudnt even drink water during last stage] , Then she went under 2 years complete Ayurvedic treatment & now alhamdulillah things are in control.
As Ayurvedic treatment-- usually increase the disease to it peak level & then cut out its roots..
So it wont occur in future. Also it wont have any side effects on other body organs
Hi can pass me the ayurveda doctor details as I'm in uk and don't have any help
@@abdusamad1973 Dr Sameer Naik from Belgaum.
But my swallowing issue is growing extreme,,,I am considering 2nd opinion.
@@TheTEAR1hey, how are you now? Did you get treated
@@San-ny1pg yes- i underwent a POEM surgery 5 years ago in India and all is fine with me; Its just the chilled food will have some trouble
Omg, you’re amazing !!!! Thank you so much for explaining this .
Wouldn't crycopharyngeal myotomy then contribute to gastric reflux if the upper esophageal sphincter is always open? I have both "pitcher" and "catcher" issues, full-on dysphagia following throat cancer treatment in 2004, and now strictly tube-fed. I'd love to eat by mouth again, and I'm keenly interested in new information and procedures that might allow that.
I think i have this
I have recently not been able to sleep because when i need to swallow saliva I can`t just do it automatically I need to make efforts to do so, This also seems to block my breathing until I manage to swallow which is alarming. This seems to effect me when i`m trying to sleep.
Very interested in what your doc says about this as I also have a similar problem I keep gasping for air as I am dozing off to sleep or I am already sleeping and it wakes me up and I have to jump out of bed banging my chest for a few mins I also have a problem swallowing saliva thank could you please update me how your problems is
@@kevinharvey8490 I will if and when I next get to the doctors, You should also try and get to the doctors.
@@ianofliverpool7701 thanks for replying I have tried but as you know it's phone apps only an
D very difficult to describe so doc is writing to specialist which is gonna take months I suppose I'm better going private to quicken things
Try sleeping on side.
THANK YOU so much for the info. I have an appointment with an ear,nose throat on Friday to scope my throat
I have bee having a chocking pro this is a bit different, in my case I chose I chock on my on spit I start to cough the what ever closes in my throat won't reopen making me gasping for any air I can get down.
I saw the part were a Doctor may snip the thing open so [m not dying of not getting any air in. It gives me hope.
So sorry to hear of your trouble, but do please look at the video on laryngospasm because it sounds like that may be your issue more than a swallowing problem. Laryngospasm is sometimes triggered by a drip, or a feeling of a drip of saliva.
I have the catcher problem. ... thank you for the explanation.
Thank you. But if you leave it open then how do you breathe
You are so great. No doctor could ever explain of why or some reasons. I was lucky I found you... I salute you!!💋💋💋💋💋
I feel like i have both of these problems as sometimes when i swallow my food or even saliva it feels like i am unable to fully complete the swallow and i fear that i may have aspirated it. I have suffered from GERD for a few years now but this swallowing issue started last year. The confusing part though is that i feel this odd esophageal spasm almost like a vibration in my chest(sometimes) BUT i relate to this video perfectly -.0
I have problems swallowing saliva, I get a bubbling sensation and breathing is difficult. I have Ehlers Danlos syndrome.
So sorry. We hope you can get a good evaluation near you...
That is the problem I'm having I haven't eaten any solid foods for a month I've been to a GI doctor they found nothing now I'm going for another test I am so scared I wish I can go to this doctor here he knows exactly what's going on with me inside me
Hello Gilbert, I have a similar problem. GI Doctor is not able to figure out. Is your issue resolved. ?
@@srinit6982yes my GI doctor had open my esophagus 4 times
@@sherrielougilbert1731 Thanks!! Please give more details about the procedure..My doctor is not able to diagnose and find the issue..He thinks it's because of anxiety
I am 22 y.o
have dysphagia at night more than at day
And improve by antidepressant (cipralex)..
Help me in diagnoses plz.
One time I was almost dying of this problem. I said that's it I'm going. Not a pleasant way to die. Because panic will kill you before the thing stuck in your throat. And if water is the thing, it's worse.
I choked on a metformin pill yr ago had to call paramedics almost choked to death. Very scary! Take pill 1 at time with applesauce or your. Helps! Went to speech therapist today we exrayed yr ago found nothing.Speech Therapist said I have cricopharyungeai hypertrophy. Need to see Doc to have a moving exray and swallow test. Feel. Much better knowing there's a fix for this. See a speech therapist ❤
Do the tongue exercises help?
Is the swallowing problem because of paralysis of the vocal cords, too?
a friend of mine has a pitcher and catcher problem which increased in only one year so fast that we have serious problems in food choices.she cannot drink and eat at the same time.She always coughes after drinking and her voice gets heavy after eating. Even soft things like pumpkin soup are a problem and it worsens .
she has been to a doctor who documented her chewing and swallowing with a tiny camera and x-rays ,but they said everything is fine .only her logopedian believes her. HELP !!!!!!
Buledi Karin sorry to hear this my docs act like I'm faking this as well I'm 21 tell her to try eating mashed potatoes it sorta works for me I'll pray God bless you both I'll pray for her
Thanks Doc!!!! you are awesome at explaining this stuff!!!!
Thank you for your respond. I will consider surgery since my first cp dilation helped some but not very much with my swallowing.
Thank you, doc! Great explanation
It helps me a lot ❤
My food and drinks gets stuck down a bit further down in my chest more in-between my esophagus near my stomach opening. It gets painful enough to where I feel like I am having heart issues, sharp pain towards my back. I eat some simple foods like yogurt and it stays put and gets painful. Even if I drink something I wait to see if it will go down or will I have to go force myself to throw up I even try to just burp to release that intense discomfort. I even have issues to where I actually bubble and foam comes up and I need to get things out right away. It doesn't happen everyday but, at least a couple of times a week and even though the weight loss is nice I know it isn't the healthy way. I have done the barium swallow test and the scope down my nose and nothing. I take meds daily for acid reflux and it continues to happen. I know I have the pitcher and catcher problem but, it is getting to be a major issue. My husband knows when it happens because I stop eating and just sit.
Susan Kallerud god bless you I have very similar problems did you find out what it was
I've tried all the meds that were supposed to help-THEN-as the last alternative-I was prescribed ACIPHEX. If I take one twice per day, I have a much easier time. However, I've recently been without the ACIPHEX, which is why I am on here. I probably need to go to the ED/ER but am not able to right now. Good luck you guys, I know I need it right now:(
See a speech therapist they understand and can help you. They have exercises to ease your symptoms ❤
Can *swallowing difficulties* (1) come from neck spine issues due to tendency to sleep on stomach & turning head sideways,as well as too high pillow / angled neck?
Where I live the earliest ENT appointment I can get is in January ... but since I have a strong suspiction it's connected (due to how it started), and an orthopedist appointment woulld be possible end of next month, I wonder whether that's a good idea, though he can't look into the throat.
Also I often have the typical computer programmer posture with forward neck & angled upwards head, which, for some reason, I also tend to fall into now when practising singing (serious hobby, opera -> yawning & greater forces involved than other singing. But I did this before years ago, without these problems. It seems to disturb singing by excess tension in neck, but lowering the larynx does not feel impeded atall)
(1) weird extra resistance starting to occur at half of the travel of the larynx from resting position to upper position when swallowing, but it feels like the larynx/thyroid spend some force to overcome something small, and then travel the rest upwards very quickly. Can be modulated by altering head direction, neck angle etc.
It started maybe 6..12 months ago, in the morning, first it would resolve after an hour, later longer, and now it's never totally gone.
I've had this over a year now and to make matters worse I have practically lost all my smell and taste(not due to covid) in the past 2 years. and food in general is repulsive to me. I eat a frozen pancake and maybe some spaghetti standing up. I am missing a lot of teeth and my 2 front teeth are rotting away. I have been hoarse for over a year and have to clear my throat. Some things burn as I swallow like jelly or ketchup. Bread is very difficult to swallow. Why haven't I gone to doctors or hospital? Because I suffer from extreme generalized anxiety disorder as well as o.c.d.s I have to "catch" my breath and I do this 24 hrs a day. I hope by doing that I didn't make my swallowing problem worse. I have very bad allergies and my body has atrophied in the past 2 years. I want to die but am afraid to die and afraid to take my life. I don't want to live on a feeding tube or intravenous or in a nursing home. I lost 80 pounds over 2 years but have remained at 144 -146 in the past month. I have 2 thyroid nodules and am slightly hyperthyroid but don't like taking the ptu. One nodule was biopsied 30 years ago benign. Since I lost my ability to taste food and swallow normally I don't want to live anymore. All my friends say go to hospital but with my anxiety and catching breath issue there's no way I could lie in a hospital bed and endure the tests and procedures and possible surgeries. I tried ensure but it makes me nauseous and sick and very dry and I become very gaseous. Plus I have so so many other physical and mental afflictions and live all alone. I'm 70 and hope to God this life ends very soon. Thank you for listening doctor. I just realized this video was made 9 years ago and this doctor could very well be dead.
oh i feel so sorry for you. :( you are going through more than what i came to this video for.. how are you doing? Please go see a doctor, i also have anxiety but the doctors could really help you through what you’re going through
Is surgery a good treatment for people that have reflux? Particularly LRD type?
Initial approaches involve dietary changes (avoiding alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine, acidic foods, and possibly gluten) and trying not to eat for 3 hours before bed. Also, many take an OTC acid reducer like omeprazole. Surgery is the last choice to manage reflux, and is for those with severe, documented GERD or LPR unresponsive to conservative measure of management. Look for the article "When Acid Reflux Treatment Takes You Down a Rabbit Trail" on our website for greater understanding of GERD and LPR symptoms, as well as tools for management.
(Consider this informational, not medical advice. Don't act without your personal physician’s input.)
My husband just had neck surgery 3 Disc replaced on a plate put in when he swallows coffee in the morning it pours out his nose he's having trouble with most liquids going down his nose what's happening?