My father, who is 58 years old, had his dentures replaced approxamately 3 years ago. They were not fitted properly and he developed an infection in his mouth which was treated with Mycelex Trouche. He had a number of adjustments made to his dentures (lower) which was never corrected (he no longer wears his lower dentures).
Since this time, he has experienced a number of problems which include (as he describes it) an over secretion of saliva which causes him to continuously clear his throat, a tightness in his throat which makes it difficult to swallow and occasionally the tighness causes him to gag. He has seen three doctors who have performed a battery of test on him. The most recent tests include a Thyroid panel, a NasoPharyagoscopy with Endoscopy and a Esophagus X-ray. Nothing was wrong except for his gag reflex being very sensitive. At this time he feels a continual tightness in his throat, he has to clear his throat continuously and if he wears his lower dentures, they gag him.
He has a history of Sinus problems and allergies. He has been to the doctor about his allergies but nothing was corrected. He drinks alcohol on a regular basis and is an ex-smoker (for about 20 yrs now).
Can you provide a possible condition that might have been overlooked by the doctors that he has already seen?
Reply ---------------------------
I have previously posted a discussion regarding the possible causes of salivary hypersecretion in OFCN's ENT clinic under the heading "uncontrollable spitting up". In the specific case of your father, I would want to make sure that a neurologic cause of this condition has been ruled out, and this may require a consultation with a neurologist. Another condition that might explain some of the symptoms you describe but probably not all of them, is known as laryngo- pharyngeal reflux which is essentially reflux of stomach acids from the stomach into the throat. There are a number of effective therapeutic options for the latter condition.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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