HomeAnswersInternal MedicinedysphagiaMy 70-year-old mother is unable to swallow food and water. What could be the reason behind it?

How to treat difficulties in swallowing food and water?

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Published At August 17, 2022
Reviewed AtJanuary 24, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My mother is 70-year-old and unable to eat anything. She has a problem swallowing food and water. She has had hypertension, diabetes, and albumin in her urine and thyroid for the last 20 years.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern. She is suffering from glossitis with vitamin B 12 deficiency. I have gone through the image (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity) showing a bald tongue indicative of zinc and vitamin B complex deficiency. But we have to check other possible causes for difficulty in swallowing like esophageal dysmotility, acid reflux, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), indigestion, or candida infection. So I would suggest Neurobion [vitamin B1 (Thiamine disulfide) 100 mg, vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine hydrochloride) 200 mg, and vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) 200 mcg] injections once a day for five days. Use candid oral paint (Clotrimazole 1% in Propylene Glycol and Glycerin BP base) and apply on the tongue twice daily. Take tablet Pantoprazole 40 mg before breakfast. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with them and take medicines with their consent. If symptoms have not improved, please consult with your physician. He will examine and treat you accordingly. Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Penchilaprasad Kandikattu
Dr. Penchilaprasad Kandikattu

Internal Medicine

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