SWALLOWING, DIFFICULTY IN: TREATMENT

If you find that it’s difficult for you to swallow easily, you should call your doctor. She will conduct a physical exam and run some tests to help her determine what is making it difficult for you to swallow. She may do a blood test, as well as an upper GI series to see if a condition affecting the esophagus is the cause of your swallowing difficulties.

If a sore throat is making it difficult for you to swallow, your doctor will examine your throat to check if an infection is the cause. She may also take a throat culture to see if you have strep throat. If you do, treatment may include antibiotic therapy for a week or more with penicillin or erythromycin. For a common sore throat, over-the-counter lozenges work well and Tylenol will help relieve the pain. It will also help if you eat mostly soft foods that are easy to swallow.

If heartburn is the primary cause, your doctor may simply recommend that you take antacids and raise the head of your bed at night. If you have hyperparathyroidism, she will probably recommend that the parathyroid gland be surgically removed.