Question

TS is 67 years old with a long history of knee osteoarthritis for which he self-medicates regularly with over-the-counter (OTC) naproxen. He is in the clinic today complaining of a swallowing difficulty that has progressively worsened over the past several months. He has otherwise been healthy and has not seen a doctor in many years. TS denies significant past medical history. A review of systems is negative except for arthritic symptoms and swallowing difficulty. He denies noticing blood in his stool and vomiting blood. He denies history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and ulcer. He does not drink alcohol, although he drank heavily many years ago. He does not smoke. TS describes the dysphagia this way: “Food gets stuck in my throat, and I can’t get it down.” The feeling occurs only after he has ingested solid food; liquids are not a problem. There is burning chest pain associated with meals. He is scheduled for an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

What advice should TS be given regarding his OTC medication at this time?

Answer 1

Since her condition is associated with dysphagia. Her alchol consumption in past years leads to dysphagia .

It is defined as an conversion of columnar epithelial tissues in the esophagus intosquamous epithelial tissue. This condition is also known as Barret’s esophagus. There is a high risk of developing cancerous tumors in patients with this condition. The obstruction in the esophagus is caused by the tumor making her condition difficult to swallow solid food .

So the best possible advice to Ts should be

1) The state of medication should be in liquid form if available.

2)If the medication ordered is not available in liquid form then it is better to be consulted with the prescriber.

3) If possible iv administration can be adopted .