[37F] With dysphagia, excessive burping, and voice changes

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, several conditions could be contributing to your symptoms:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This condition occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus, causing symptoms such as excessive burping and difficulty swallowing.

  • Treatment typically involves lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter medications. In severe cases, prescription medications or surgery may be necessary.

• Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR): This is a condition in which acid that is made in the stomach travels up the esophagus and gets into the throat. Symptoms can include a quiet voice, trouble swallowing, and excessive mucus or throat clearing.

  • Treatment often involves dietary and lifestyle changes, as well as medications to reduce stomach acid.

• Methamphetamine Use: Methamphetamine use can cause numerous health problems, including rapid weight loss, dental problems (often called "meth mouth"), mood disturbances, and increased risk of infectious diseases. It can also cause severe psychological or psychiatric side effects.

  • Treatment for methamphetamine use often involves behavioral therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and contingency management interventions. Medications may be used to manage symptoms of withdrawal.

• Stroke: Given your history of stroke, it's important to consider the possibility of another stroke, especially given your symptoms of facial weakness and difficulty speaking. However, this would typically be associated with other symptoms such as sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body), confusion, trouble seeing, or severe headache.

  • Treatment for a stroke typically involves urgent medical care to restore blood flow to the brain. Long-term treatment involves medications and lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of another stroke, as well as rehabilitation to manage the symptoms of the stroke.

What you can do

• Seek immediate medical attention: Given the severity and range of your symptoms, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. This is especially true given your history of stroke and your current symptoms of facial weakness and difficulty speaking.

• Stop using methamphetamine: If you're using methamphetamine, it's important to seek help to stop. This can significantly improve your health and reduce your risk of serious complications. There are many resources available to help with substance use disorders, including counseling, support groups, and certain medications.

• Lifestyle modifications: If your symptoms are due to GERD or LPR, certain lifestyle changes may help, such as avoiding foods that trigger symptoms, eating smaller meals, not lying down after a meal, and elevating the head of your bed.

What you should look out for

• Seek immediate medical attention if you develop any signs of a stroke, such as sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body), confusion, trouble seeing, or severe headache.

• If your symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms, such as vomiting, severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or seizures, seek immediate medical attention.

Please note that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful health information, this advice is intended to be general in nature. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider for accurate information.