Difficulty in swallowing, which doctor should I see?

Dear Ask The Doctor: Hello, My Mom isn't able to swallow her food properly. She has sluggish salivary glands and she is 82 yrs old. I want to take her to ear nose and throat doctor. Do you think this is the appropriate doctor?

Dear Mari-Jo: An ear nose and throat doctor will certainly be able to tell whether the difficulty in swallowing is caused by an obstruction or pathology in the throat or esophagus. But in my opinion, consulting a gastroenterologist may be more appropriate in your mother's case. I wish you well, take care.