swallowing problems, can't breathe! - Digestive Disorders Message Board

Jan46 · 07-08-2003, 07:51 PM

I'm hoping it's just anxiety, but at least once a week I suddenly get "stuck" in the middle of a swallow of liquid, or I feel a belch come up and I actually get FOAM come into my mouth. I can't breathe during these episodes and my windpipe locks down for about 10-20 seconds. I gasp and wheeze and feel like I'm going to die. Then it relaxes and returns to normal. I had an endoscopy about a year ago and was diagnosed with acute gastritis. But I wasn't having these swallowing epidsodes at that time. I take prilosec on and off and I have had great success in alleviating indigestive pain by chewing DGL (licorice) tablets. But these episodes are very scary. I'm a 46 year old female. HELP!

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Jan46

Katie G · 07-09-2003, 07:06 AM

Hi there - sounds like esophageal spasms which can be very painful and scary. I used to get them as part of my GERD, still get them occasionally after anti-reflux surgery due to gas build-up. I start salivating more and feel like I'm going to throw up, but because of the surgery I had, I will never be able to throw up again. So I just try Lamaze breathing, and since they only happen during a meal, I move away from the table and wait for the pain/spasm to pass. My heart feels like it's fluttering, but I think it's actually the esophagus spasm I'm feeling because I check my pulse when it happens and it stays regular.

Once long ago, a doctor prescribed Valium for me when the spasms occurred. Knocked me right out, but it also took care of the spasm. However, I don't recommend having to pop a Valium every time a spasm occurs. You may want to ask your doctor about having esophageal manometry done to check the motility and coordination of esophageal movement since esophagospasms are sometimes difficult to treat.

Good luck and keep us posted,
Katie G

P.S. The best advice I can offer is to try to find something calming during an attack, whether it's breathing or progressive relaxation or whatever helps you to breathe calmly and deeply.

klayr · 07-09-2003, 12:35 PM

Also, stay in touch with your doc. These types of things can get ugly if you don't keep them monitored. Ask your doc if you can take the Prilosec daily. Those types of medications can actually heal lesions sometimes. Good luck.

WiggleWaggle · 08-20-2003, 12:33 AM

Rookie here posting. Veteran at difficulty swallowing.
I have a week spincter muscle at top of my stomach, gas buildup in the esophagus adds pressure which feels like I cannot breath,panic! I have to turn my head and concentrate to swallow saliva. Usual cause is gas producing foods, tomatoes, cucumbers... I have had to reduce the size of my meals, not eat within three hours of bedtime, sleep on a foam wedge, drink less coffee, walk after meals, and the best remedy...burp. It reduces pressure till digestion takes over and gas buil up subsides. I take aciphex daily during flare-ups, then as needed. I would not wish this on my worst enemy! Take a log of what you eat so when you go see a G.I. it will be easier to diagnose.Good luck

Foolishness · 08-20-2003, 07:00 PM

I have the same problems occasionally and it definitely is scary for that 10-20 seconds, but obviously what makes it worse is anxiety. Take a few deep breaths and then try to the drink the liquid again. And yes try to burp if you can, it helps clear the system out!