you have a long way to go but you have got the start of figuring it out. A modified barium swallow involves a speech therapist who does the testing as opposed to the regular barium swallow. I had the GI Dr order both but I have only done one. Given your problems with swallowing I think you can make a case for getting that test but it does expose you to radiation. A GI person might tell you if they can see something from that scope where you might avoid the modified barium swallow.
It seems to me Eagle syndrome could contribute to this problem with the Cricopharyngeal muscle but it may be they havent discovered the connection yet. I might be the only one here that has had this notated but not the only one that has had the issue.
I asked AI if there might be a connection. here is the response
"Could Eagle Syndrome Cause or Worsen the UES Dysfunction Noted in Your Study?
There’s a potential connection, but it’s not straightforward, and the evidence is limited. Here’s how Eagle syndrome might relate to your finding:
- Mechanical Compression:
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An elongated styloid process or calcified stylohyoid ligament could compress the pharynx, esophagus, or nerves (e.g., glossopharyngeal or vagus nerves) involved in swallowing. This might lead to impaired UES relaxation or coordination, contributing to a “prominent UES” or retrograde flow.
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Compression could also cause local inflammation or muscle dysfunction, affecting the cricopharyngeus muscle’s ability to open fully during swallowing.
- Neurological Impact:
- The glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves play critical roles in swallowing. Compression or irritation of these nerves by an elongated styloid process could disrupt the neural signals that coordinate UES relaxation and pharyngeal muscle contraction, potentially leading to the observed dysfunction.
- Worsening Symptoms:
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If Eagle syndrome is causing throat pain or a foreign body sensation, it might alter your swallowing mechanics (e.g., compensatory behaviors like incomplete swallows), which could exacerbate UES dysfunction or contribute to contrast re-entering the hypopharynx.
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Chronic pain or irritation from Eagle syndrome could lead to muscle tension or spasms in the throat, further impairing UES function.
However, Eagle syndrome is not a common cause of UES dysfunction. More common causes of your finding include:
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Cricopharyngeal hypertrophy or spasm (tight UES muscle)
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Neuromuscular disorders (e.g., myasthenia gravis, ALS, or stroke)
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Reflux (e.g., laryngopharyngeal reflux or esophageal reflux)
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Structural abnormalities (e.g., Zenker’s diverticulum, tumors, or strictures)
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Aging-related changes in swallowing mechanics"
I encourage everyone who is starting out this process that is having weird throat things to ask your Doctors about this as a concurrent problem.
Here are the symptoms listed on Google, I have all of them except pneumonia . They come and go to various degrees.
- Difficulty swallowing, especially with large pieces of food
- Feeling of food sticking in the throat
- Coughing or choking when eating or drinking
- Nasal congestion
- Recurring pneumonia
- A “lump” feeling in the throat
one more thing..the older you get the more risk there is for this which might be why some symptoms dont clear up after surgery:
“Likelihood: Osteophytes (mine are at c-5 and 6) are a more common cause of dysphagia than Eagle syndrome, as they can directly indent or compress the esophagus/pharynx. They could be a primary contributor to your UES dysfunction, with Eagle syndrome playing a secondary or synergistic role.”