Living with Plummer-Vinson syndrome
A condition in adults that combines trouble swallowing, low iron anemia and thin tissue folds (webs) in the esophagus.
Understanding Plummer-Vinson syndrome
Esophageal webs are thin folds of tissue in the esophagus, the tube from the mouth to the stomach. GARD says it usually appears in adulthood. Other signs can include tiredness, pale skin and a sore, inflamed tongue.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Thin folds of tissue in the esophagus (webs)
- Easy tiredness
- Pale skin
- Sore, inflamed tongue (glossitis)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include blood and bone marrow specialists and digestive system specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Blood and bone marrow specialists (hematologists); Digestive system specialists (gastroenterologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD doesn't describe a cause for this condition yet.
Also known as: brown-kelly-paterson syndrome; kelly-paterson syndrome; paterson-kelly syndrome; paterson's syndrome; plummer-vinson-patterson-kelly syndrome; sideropenic dysphagia
Patient organizations
- National Foundation of Swallowing DisordersPlummer-Vinson syndrome · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Plummer-Vinson syndrome.
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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