Cough then wrenching then choking

[Tricia]

The only topics I could find on this were very old.  I’m hoping someone else knows what will help. I’m 41 years old.  I have dysautonomia from vascular Ehlers Danlos, Sjögrens, POTS, LQTS, etc.  

 

Sometimes if I can’t get my pills down at night this will happen.  First I cough then I start reaching for a long period and very strongly which basically makes me choke because I can’t breathe.  I can feel the veins popping out in my head.  Sometimes it lasts for hours.  Yesterday was the first time it was in the afternoon and from swallowing saliva because I way overdid it.  It’s also the first time I thought I was going to pass out.  It starts in my esophagus right at the top of the sternum.  It feels kind of like if you think of your esophagus like a sock and something is reaching in to pull it inside out and holding it.  My only guess is maybe a muscle spasm?  

Some previous posts suggested it was dry mouth. I am on medication for dry mouth and I know what that choking feels like. This isn’t the same. And it doesn’t feel like vomiting although it occasionally causes vomiting in between. 

Food with medicine doesn’t help me swallow. The biggest help is what I call negotiating with my esophagus to cooperate. I guess you could call it meditation or mind over matter. Hot drinks help but then I worry about the medications dissolving in the wrong spot. 

Its getting so much worse. Yesterday was the first day I thought I was going to die and I’m someone that stays calm, rational and positive through everything. I was so oxygen deprived I was starting to black out. Thankfully it started to subside just in time. My doctors are no help. I haven’t had any recent swallowing tests but trying yet another GI and have an appointment to ask my GP. 

If you can offer any help I would appreciate it. Obviously when it’s happening I can’t swallow any medications. I am try essential oils that may help it subside. I’m very scared. I’m a single mother with 4 kids and I need to be here for them or they will go to their abusive father. I am in Michigan and have been everywhere locally and also to Cleveland Clinic and Mayo in MN. I’m willing to go anywhere for help. Thank you! 

[Pistol]

Hi @Tricia this sounds awful! But I might be able to give a suggestion: my M-I-L has sjogrens and when she takes her pills she often times chokes like that and then the retching, gagging and coughing starts because her esophagus goes into a spasm since she does not have any saliva to lubricate it.. If you have dysautonomia then this can set off an abnormal reaction in your ANS which in turn can raise your HR or drop/elevate your BP and you will feel like - or actually do- pass out. You probably would benefit from seeing a speech therapist since they treat people with swallowing difficulties. They can show you how to swallow pills without this violent reaction. Best of luck!

[WinterSown]

Sometimes I cannot even swallow water, it takes a lot of  maneuvering to get it down. I've made changes in my eating habits like a lot more wet food and drinking liquids before I eat dry foods. It sounds like you are describing dysphagia.

[StayAtHomeMom]

Since hot things help have you tried to drink something hot. Wait a few minutes then drink something room temp with your meds? I don't have what you describe and I don't know anyone that it sounds like. Just figured I would point out a suggestion and maybe it will turn your wheels and cause you to find your solution.

My hubby hates cold things and ice. He says it swells his throat. He microwaves his ice cream and eats it very slowly. Nothing to drink from the fridge either. It is weird but after 13 years I kind of got used to his weirdness. 

Good luck and I hope you find a solution.