Does anyone have problems swallowing?

Thanks for writing Dfavila. For your protection, we cannot give medical advice over the internet. If you haven't already discussed this issue with your doctor, you should bring it to their attention right away.

Problems swallowing can come from a multitude of issues. Some RA medications have difficulty swallowing as a potential side effect. Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) can often occur with RA and can have difficulty swallowing as a symptom. In this article where one of our contributors answered community questions, she addressed one on swallowing: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/ask-me-anything-is-this-related-to-my-ra/. In addition, conditions other than RA could be at cause.

Hope you find some answers soon and please keep us posted on how you are doing. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)

Dfavila: Richard is correct in that you need to discuss with your doctor -- your rheumatologist and perhaps a gastroenterologist (a doctor that specializes in the digestive system). I personally have an esophagus issue where the esophagus doesn't work correctly to move food down to my stomach that is associated with inflammation (which we know is associated with RA). While some of these problems can be just a nuisance, some conditions can be more serious, so please take Richard's suggestion to see your doctor soon.

Hi I had the same issue of swallowing. When eating I couldn’t swallow my food without choking. I had a barium swallow test, endoscopy to look around and stretch my esophagus. Didn’t help. No one could give me answers. Saw a new RA Doctor after moving and he immediately said I had sjogrens disease along with my RA. Did ultrasound tests of salivary glands and bingo. Started taking pilocarpine and has made a world of difference. I can swallow food! I always carry water with me to help also. Good luck.