Skip to main content

Featured post

Why Some People Can't Stop Coughing

  Understanding Refractory Chronic Cough: What You Need to Know   Have you ever faced a cough that simply refuses to subside?   While most coughs resolve independently, some persist for an unacceptable length of time—weeks, months, or even years. This condition is known as refractory chronic cough (RCC), and it is a significant issue that demands attention in the medical community, especially among specialists in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) care.   In this blog post, we will clearly outline what RCC is, why it occurs, and the most promising treatments available to those suffering from relentless coughing.     What is Refractory Chronic Cough?   A chronic cough is defined as one that lasts longer than eight weeks in adults. For many individuals, it is associated with conditions such as asthma, allergies, acid reflux, or certain medications. However, there are instances where the cough continues even after these underlying causes have been effectively ad...

Why do I have regurgitation of food?





Which sphincter prevents regurgitation of food from the stomach?

Our food pipe starts in the neck and connects the back of the throat to the stomach. At both ends of the food pipe or oesophagus, there is a ring of muscle which prevents food and acid from the stomach from coming back into the throat.


Which conditions can present as regurgitation or dysphagia?

Regurgitation of undigested food or acid can be due to slowly growing conditions such as:

  • The tightness of the upper ring muscle (Cricopharyngeal spasm)
  • Web formation in the food pipe
  • Out-pouching of the food pipe (Pharyngeal Pouch)
  • Stricture or tightness of the food pipe because of a previous injury such as a burn
  • The food pipe muscles unable to relax due to a stroke. 

In some cases, it can present suddenly due to obstruction of the food pipe due to a foreign body. You should attend A&E if you suspect that you have a sudden onset complete dysphagia. 
In some patients, this can be the presentation of cancer in the food pipe. Suppose you notice progressive difficulty in swallowing over the period of 3-6 weeks. In that case, you should see your doctor and get an urgent referral to an ENT doctor to rule out oesophageal cancer.




When should I be concerned about my regurgitation or difficulty in swallowing (Dysphagia)?

If you notice that you are choking and coughing as soon as you drink or eat.

If you think you need extra effort and multiple swallows to push the food down your food pipe, or you notice weight loss with or without a neck lump. If you see food regurgitating into your nose, you should see an ENT doctor. In patients with pharyngeal pouch or diverticulum of the upper food pipe, you may notice a bubbling or gurgling sound in the neck, frequent chest infections and in some cases, neck lump that you are able to press. 

What happens when you see an Ear, Nose & Throat doctor?
When you visit your ENT doctor, you will have a complete history and examination. In the clinic, you will have an assessment of the upper food pipe by doing endoscopy and the doctor may organise a special scan in the form of a barium swallow or MRI scan. The doctor may discuss with you to do an assessment under anaesthesia and take a biopsy or tissue sample.


How is regurgitation or dysphagia managed?

Management of regurgitation depends on the cause of dysphagia. In some cases, management may be multidisciplinary with the ENT doctor working together with a SALT (Speech and Language specialist), nutritionist, dietitian and your doctor. In complex cases, functional assessment of swallowing is done in the clinic, which provides useful information to your doctor, aiding diet modification and rehabilitation exercises. 


Helping Patients with Specialist Expertise and Kindness

Mr Gaurav Kumar

Consultant Ear, Nose & Throat Surgeon

Book an Appointment


entsurgeonclinic@gmail.com

07494914140

Disclaimer: For general information only, always seek medical advice from your treating consultant.



Popular Post

Are you thinking of your ears pinned back / pinnaplasty?

Before you make your appointment with your surgeon for pinnaplasty or otoplasty? When you decide to have your ear pinned back or any cosmetic procedure think what exactly you want to change in shape. Ear shape had been prominent for a long time so what exactly triggered to go for the procedure. Evidence suggests that having prominent ears can affect self-esteem and confidence. Next thing to do research about your procedure, recovery and possible complications and outcome. It is always good to write any query you have before you do your consultation. What is the cost involved for pinnaplasty or otoplasty? The average cost of ear correction surgery (pinnaplasty) in the UK ranges from £3500 - £5000. You should always think of any additional cost of consultation or investigations required. It is very important to discuss this with the hospital and surgeon as cosmetic surgery are not covered by most insurance companies and on NHS. What makes our ears look prominent? ...
Read more

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Are you unable to pop your ears or feeling pressure in your ears? Eustachian tube dysfunction is a very common problem after flu or cold or even after long haul flight when you feel hearing is muffled, feel pressure around the ears and sometimes you feel as if you are underwater. Good news is most of the time it is temporary.  If you try decongestants, antihistamine ( hay fever tablets ) and Valsalva (ie try and pop your ears) things should improve after a few days to a week. Why do we have symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction? The eustachian tube is present at the back of our nose and connects the nose to the middle ear. It is there to maintain equal pressure on both sides of the eardrum. The eustachian tube also helps in clearing normal mucus from the middle ear.  Hence opening and closing of this ventilation tube are very important for hearing. Normally every time we yawn and chew this tube opens and closes without us noticing it. So, if this opening of ventila...
Read more

Quinsy Abscess

 How to tell the difference between tonsillitis and quinsy? 🤔🩺 Tonsillitis vs. Quinsy: Spotting the Differences 🩺🤔   Feeling under the weather with a sore throat? It's essential to know the difference between tonsillitis and quinsy. Here's how to tell them apart:   1. Tonsillitis:   Symptoms: Sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, swollen tonsils with white or yellow patches, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and possibly a cough and hoarse voice. Cause: Usually viral or bacterial infections, such as the common cold or strep throat. Treatment: Rest, hydration, over-the-counter pain relievers, and sometimes antibiotics for bacterial tonsillitis. 2. Quinsy (Peritonsillar Abscess):   Symptoms: Severe sore throat on one side, difficulty swallowing, fever, drooling, muffled voice, swollen tonsil on one side, swollen uvula, and possibly a visible abscess on the tonsil. Cause: Complication of untreated or inadequately treated tonsillit...
Read more

Tonsil Stones or Tonsilloliths

Where do Tonsil Stones come from? Tonsil stones or tonsillolith are formed in the tiny crevices on the tonsil surface. Tonsils are present at the back of the throat. Two large tonsils on each side can catch food particles when we eat. This food debris can accumulate bacteria and give a bad smell. This mixture of bacteria and food debris can become solid to form tonsil stones. Can Tonsil Stones go away on their own? Tonsil stones form due to food particle and bacteria. You can prevent stone formation by regularly rinsing mouth after every meal, good oral hygiene and dental care. Gargling with salt water and gentle use of bud to deliver the stones can help in some cases. Soft water floss can help keep tonsil surface clean. If you have, post nasal drip due to sinusitis, seeking treatment advice from ENT surgeon can help. You should not use sharp objects to clean tonsil stones or make tonsil surface bleed. What symptoms do tonsil stones cause? Tonsil ston...
Read more

Boil in the Ear canal can be very painful...

How do I know I have boil in the ear canal? The ear canal is lined by skin up to the eardrum. Skin in the outer third of the ear canal has hair follicles. Hair follicles can get infected with bacteria and can form boil or furunculosis. It is challenging to look in our own ear canal. You can only feel a bump in the ear canal entrance which is tender to touch. Why is so painful when we have boil in the ear? Ear canal skin is very tightly attached to underlying cartilage. So any swelling in the skin stretches it and makes it very sore to touch. How do we get boil in the ear canal?  Most common causes of boil in the canal is dryness of the skin and trauma. Dry skin leads to cracks and these cracks can get infected. People who use dry earbuds, fingers, towel edges or pens and traumatise ear canal skin, which can get infected with bacteria. How do I release the temptation of using earbuds? Some people can get very dry skin due to sensitivity to soup, shampoo o...
Read more

Why Some People Can't Stop Coughing

  Understanding Refractory Chronic Cough: What You Need to Know   Have you ever faced a cough that simply refuses to subside?   While most coughs resolve independently, some persist for an unacceptable length of time—weeks, months, or even years. This condition is known as refractory chronic cough (RCC), and it is a significant issue that demands attention in the medical community, especially among specialists in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) care.   In this blog post, we will clearly outline what RCC is, why it occurs, and the most promising treatments available to those suffering from relentless coughing.     What is Refractory Chronic Cough?   A chronic cough is defined as one that lasts longer than eight weeks in adults. For many individuals, it is associated with conditions such as asthma, allergies, acid reflux, or certain medications. However, there are instances where the cough continues even after these underlying causes have been effectively ad...
Read more

LAX VOX

  LAX VOX  is a vocal therapy technique that can help improve voice quality, relaxation, and overall vocal health. It involves using a unique tube to create  bubbling sounds  while phonating.  Here are the steps for practising LAX VOX: Relax and Focus on Posture and Breathing : Maintain a good posture with a long spine. Relax your face, neck, upper back, and chest muscles, allowing them to release toward gravity. Preparing for Bubbling with Phonation : Place a  silicone tube  (about 35 cm long and 9-12 mm in diameter) between or in front of your incisor teeth and above your tongue. Keep your tongue relaxed (imagine it as a piece of steak) and slightly touch the tube. Hold the water-filled bottle near your body to avoid using shoulder muscles. Inhale through your nose as if you’re yawning with your mouth closed. Prepare for phonation during exhalation, focusing on abdominal and lower back muscles. Finding the Target Voice : Create bubbling sounds with y...
Read more

“Where Are Your Tonsils? Your Health’s First Line of Defence!”

  Where Are Your Tonsils Located?   Learn About Their Position and Importance for Your Health Have you ever wondered where your tonsils are and why their location is significant for your health? Let's explore the fascinating world of tonsils and understand their crucial role in your body's defence system. What Are Tonsils? Tonsils are two oval-shaped masses of lymphoid tissue located at the back of your throat. They are part of your immune system, which is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against harmful invaders. The tonsils are vital in protecting your body from infections. They are often referred to as the "first line of defence" because they are strategically positioned to catch and filter out germs that enter through your mouth or nose. Where Exactly Are They Located? Your tonsils are situated in the pharynx, just behind the soft palate. There are two tonsils, one on each side of your throat. If you open your ...
Read more

"Naseptin: Powerful Defence Against Nasal Bacteria!"

  Everything You Need to Know About Using Naseptin Nasal Cream   If you've been dealing with nasal issues, you may have come across Naseptin nasal cream as a potential solution. Whether you suffer from recurrent nasal infections (vestibulitis), nose bleeds or simply need some relief from nasal dryness, Naseptin can be a valuable aid. In this blog, we'll cover everything you need to know about using Naseptin nasal cream to ensure you get the best results from this trusted product.   Unlocking the Power of Naseptin Nasal Cream: A Guide to Its Versatile Uses   Naseptin nasal cream, a powerful ally in nasal health, holds the key to treating infections caused by staphylococcal bacteria. This versatile cream offers much more than meets the eye, and we're here to shed light on its incredible benefits! 🌟 👃 Kicking Nose Infections to the Curb: Say goodbye to those troublesome nose infections! Naseptin comes to the rescue, targeting staphylococcal bacteria and...
Read more

Top 10 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Strategies for Tinnitus

 Tinnitus, the perception of ringing or buzzing in the ears without an external sound source, can be distressing and debilitating. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has proven effective in helping individuals manage tinnitus by changing their responses to noise. Here are the top 10 CBT strategies for tinnitus relief.   1. **Education and Understanding**  What It Is: The first step in CBT for tinnitus is understanding what tinnitus is and how it affects the brain. This involves learning about the auditory system and the psychological factors that can exacerbate the condition. How It Helps: By gaining knowledge about tinnitus, patients can reduce fear and anxiety associated with the condition, which can help decrease the perceived intensity of the ringing.   2. **Cognitive Restructuring**   What It Is: Cognitive restructuring involves identifying and challenging negative thought patterns related to tinnitus, such as "This noise will drive m...
Read more