Difficulty Swallowing

[WIZARD6787]

This is not often mentioned on this forum but it is listed often as a symptom.

After my hospitalization for B12 deficiency 4 years ago I could not eat solid food for guessing a year. I also had no hunger.

I would experience aspiration. Often called food going down the wrong pipe. It was excruciating and could bring me to my knees.

I had to be very careful even drinking smoothies or shakes.

Not only has it resolved I can now drink very cold liquid with no issue and that has been an issue since my teens. I am 69 years old.

[ACritical121]

My mother had similar symptoms, in the end she occasionally tried to please us and she accepted a few small spoons of custard, not much else as her swallowing was severely affected. Her B12 deficiency had progressed over many years and wasn’t treated apart from a few days before my parents 60th wedding anniversary, she was given a few B12 injections, she was able to sit up in bed and be part of the celebrations. The injections were withheld and 6 weeks later she passed away. If I knew then what I know now…..Lots of senior citizens become B12 deficient and are not always properly treated, doctors way up what’s in their interest.

[MorningMist in reply to ACritical121]

That is exactly what happened to my step father, supposedly suffering from dementia. He was given a couple of injections which had and immediate dramatic effect and then no more were offered, so he deteriorated rapidly. He had terrible stomach pains and difficulty swallowing and could eat very little.

B12 deficiency in older people should be looked for. As it is most doctors are just fire fighting and not interested in preventative measures. Nor do many seem supportive of personal efforts to remain well unless these align with their own viewpoint, which I find is often way out of kilter.

[KBird01]

The aspiration one is definitely one of my first symptoms that tell me I need 'topping up'. Mine is usually on saliva, rather than food or drink.

I also previously had a sensation of lump in my throat, which was investigated by the GP as possible thyroid. Following info on here, I think from Rexz , I realised this was a lessser-known symptom of iron deficiency. Despite my GP telling me my iron was fine, (I had low ferritin), I treated this with supplements and have had no recurrence.

Thanks as ever for sharing your observations WIZARD6787 . 😊

[PlatypusProfit8077 in reply to KBird01]

My throat feels tight or small often, especially when I turn my head. It’s not there all the time which is both frustrating and a relief because it’s quite a panic inducing sensation.

I always put it down to genetics as my Nan (born 1913) had problems with her oesophagus and often had trouble swallowing (although it was explained by a hiatus hernia, I now wonder about PA as she was always eating liver). My sister also has a small oesophagus and has needed B12 injections 🤔🤔🤔

[WIZARD6787 in reply to PlatypusProfit8077]

Thank you for sharing.

[WIZARD6787 in reply to KBird01]

Thank you for sharing!

[MrsTuft]

Difficulty swallowing was one of many symptoms for me too. Gone with daily injections.

[WIZARD6787]

Thank you for sharing

[MorningMist]

I have experienced aspiration with saliva - just began choking through swallowing. I think the epiglottis shuts off your windpipe in a reflex response. It’s frightening and I found the only solution was to relax and try not to breathe/hold your breath for a few seconds.

I knew difficulty swallowing was a b12 deficiency symptom, but not the aspiration problem.