Is MS causing me to have difficulty swallowing?
A columnist investigates some possible reasons for her recent symptom
I’ve noticed over the past three years that I choke more frequently. I did a little internet investigating and believe it may be associated with my multiple sclerosis (MS). I was surprised by that, as most of my MS symptoms are in my extremities. I hadn’t thought about the condition affecting my mouth and throat.
I occasionally choke on food while swallowing, but not any more frequently than people without MS. I choke on liquids, usually carbonated beverages, at least once a day. That results in me coughing for a minute or two to clear the fluid from my airway. Once the coughing subsides, I have difficulty talking, or my voice sounds different for a few minutes, and then everything goes back to normal.
I know my airway isn’t entirely blocked during these episodes because I can still cough and breathe, which is good but uncomfortable. Additionally, having a coughing fit can be problematic in some social situations.
How MS can affect swallowing
The scientific term for difficulty swallowing is dysphagia, and it occurs in nearly half of those with MS, as Multiple Sclerosis News Today reported in 2023.
According to the MS Society, multiple sclerosis can cause swallowing problems by decreasing the ability to feel food or liquid in the mouth, affecting reflexes or weakening the muscles in the mouth and throat. Other symptoms may include:
- difficulty chewing
- feeling like food is stuck in the throat
- foods or liquids coming back up after being swallowed
- food going down more slowly
- difficulty moving food to the back of the mouth
- coughing after eating or drinking
- dribbling while eating or drinking
- eating or drinking more slowly.
I suspect the carbonation in my drinks is what’s causing my swallowing issues. Other triggers associated with swallowing difficulty in MS are changes in temperature, fatigue, and stress, though I don’t think those are a problem for me.
Another swallowing symptom I’ve experienced that may be associated with MS is throat tightening. I dealt with this condition years before my formal diagnosis of MS in 2014, and it usually occurred in the morning following my first drink or bite of food. My throat felt like it’d tightened up or had a spasm. It would last one to two minutes, and it was painful. I don’t experience this symptom anymore and cannot recall when it went away, but I’m thankful it’s resolved.
I haven’t reported these symptoms to my MS healthcare professional yet, but I plan to do so at my next visit. I don’t feel that I currently need treatment for my difficulty swallowing, but discussing it with an expert is a good idea.
Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.
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Barbara Moss
Please get checked for Barrett Esophagus, don't assume it's MS. I have both, endoscopy is usually annual. But you have to be your own advocate please discuss this further with your medical professionals
Joanne
I have increasing problems with swallowing and choking as described in the article A barium swallow with textured foodswas shown as a consequence of thickening the "swallow" muscle in my throat do to aging more than from PPMS. 'Will be watched closely for worsening, but have been given useful ways to help with choking less.
Karen Judeich
Please also check in to mast cell activation syndrome as a reason for your throat symptoms.
Rosanne Costain
I'm not discounting the possibility. My father who did not have MS choked on fluids , my friends daughter (without MS) also chokes on fluids. She was told it was something in her throat (I don't know what and I think without a name for it, it's a dumb answer) and I choke on fluid, I am about 37 years of MS.
I can only suggest your GP and get some tests done to find a cause if possible, then maybe steps can be taken to mitigate the choking.
Good luck!
Leanne Broughon
I also have troublie swallowing. Interesting that you said your first drinks in the morning were the worst. Thinking about it that would be the case for me too. Water is the worst, solids usually okay. I did have severe pain when swallowing but that was due to my trigeminal neuragia. I must really concentrate when I swallow.
Julia
Hello Leigh Anne
After experiencing the same issues during/after a relapse, i got a referral to a speech-therapist. Who also is a ph.therapist at the same time. She was specialized in this kind of problems. It helped me tremendously. Every day i use some of the hints&tips she gave. Still can't eat apples or grapes, but mix them up through my dinner. Sounds strange, but is actually quite tasty! Pitty pizza's are a thing of the past..though.
jan mackie
I am crippled with M.S. and am getting horrified by difficulty swallowing. What can help?
Thanks
Jan