Description fits dysphagia exactly

Dear Dr. Gott: I have been suffering from a strange digestive problem of late, and I am puzzled about its origin. Sometimes, out of the blue, when I begin a meal and attempt to swallow that first bite, the food seems to lodge itself in my chest and won’t go down, causing me great distress. After a couple of minutes it will go down, and I can continue my meal normally.

Less frequently, also at the onset of a meal, I experience a kind of muscle spasm in the center of my stomach, which makes me feel as if I am going to vomit, although it never happens.

Neither of the problems I have described happens every day or, for that matter, every week. They’re an occasional difficulty. I have never seen a similar problem mentioned in your column, and I am wondering what you make of it.

Dear Reader: The condition you so aptly described is known as “dysphagia,” and it has several causes that range from a growth in the esophagus to peptic disorders and irregular esophageal spasms (called esophageal dysmotility).

In my opinion, you should ask your primary care physician to order an X-ray swallowing study, or he may choose to refer you to a gastroenterologist for endoscopy, a test during which the specialist examines your upper intestine with a fiberoptic tube.

I advise you not to wait. Although your symptom is not an emergency, it could worsen, cause you great discomfort or lead to aspiration of food or liquids into your lungs.

Regardless of cause, dysphagia is treatable, using dietary modification, appropriate medication or – as a final, necessary option – surgery.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Medical Specialists.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: Is it common for a nonerect penis to shrink in length with age?

Dear Reader: It’s not only common; it’s universal. As we men age, everything shrinks: skin, muscles and penis included. This consequence is unavoidable; it comes with the territory.

Dear Dr. Gott: In your column about the reader who felt dizzy and lightheaded when driving his 1966 Mustang, his problem may not be simple “antique-caritis.” He should have his exhaust system checked for leaks. He may be experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning that could be serious.

Dear Reader: Right you are. I’d like to thank you and the many other car buffs who pointed out this relation. I’m sorry that I failed to mention this possibility.