Can Esophageal Dysmotility Cause A Sensation Of Food Or Pills Sticking In The Throat Even Without Coughing Or Choking?

Posted on Mon, 11 May 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 10 May 2020 Answered on

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : Brief Answer:
Globus is feeling of something stuck in the throat

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Globus is feeling of something stuck in the throat which is felt after swallowing. It is felt even if you are not eating anything.
Yes barium swallow would have showed issues with dysphagia.

Take care. I hope I have helped clarify your doubt. Reach me if you need further clarification.

Regards

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (-5 hours later)

Hi,

what are the symptoms of dysphagia? After finishing a meal I feel as though there is food stuck in my throat. I'm not coughing or choking during a meal. I had a barium swallow study done and it showed esophageal dysmotility, the study was only done with liquids. In the morning when I take my pills it feels like they're stuck in my throat no matter how much water I drink.

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (4 hours later)

Hi Dr
It only happens after eating though, how can i determine if this is difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) Vs globus sensation? Im worried about possibly having bulbar als and presenting with difficulty swallowing in a symptom. The feeling comes and goes, but is more apparent after eating. Would the barium swallow test I had have shown if I had difficulty swallowing?

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (45 minutes later)

Hi Dr

Yes I understand that but I don’t feel it all the time, only after eating. The barium test I had done was only with the barium liquid. Can globus sensation happen only after eating?

***

the dr told me there is no reflux, what else is causing me to feel this way? why do the pills get stuck in my throat when I swallow?

***

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Answer given below

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Dysphagia itself is a symptom only. It means difficulty in swallowing. Feeling of something stuck in the throat is called Globus pharyngeus. It can occur due to postnasal drip, acid reflux and anxiety.

If esophageal dysmotility is suspected with barium swallow further evaluation may be done with esophageal manometry to plan treatment.

Take care. I hope I have helped clarify your doubt. Reach me if you need further clarification.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (26 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Esophageal manometry

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Then it is not due to neurological issue like ALS. As suggested earlier, esophageal manometry may be done to evaluate further.

Take care. I hope I have helped clarify your doubt. Reach me if you need further clarification.

Regards,
Dr. R. K.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (4 hours later)

Dr they are getting stuck in my throat not esophagus. Should i be concerned about bulbar als?

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (34 minutes later)

No I dont choke or cough when I swallow. Nothing comes out of my nose either. When the pills get stuck it doesnt make me cough or choke- I just keep drinking water or eat something, after a while it feels like a sensation of something stuck.

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (1 hour later)

Are you 100% sure dr? I’m very nervous about having a neuromuscular disorder like bulbar ALS. Is it common for people to have esophageal dysmotility? I’ve been under a lot of stress, can this cause it? If something was actually stuck in my throat would I always cough?

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need more information

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Do you get choked when you swallow?
Do you start coughing while you swallow?
Does fluid regurgitate through your nose while swallowing?
If pills get stuck in your throat how do you remove it?

Please clarify these doubts for further clarity.

Waiting...

Regards,
Dr. R. K.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Answer given below

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

If pills get stuck while you swallow there is either obstruction or dysmotility. Your barium swallow did not show any obstruction. It showed only dysmotility.

That is why in my first post I suggested esophageal manometry to further evaluate dysmotility.

Take care. I hope I have helped clarify your doubt. Reach me if you need further clarification.

Regards,
Dr. R. K.

***

Brief Answer:
Answer given below

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

If the globus is due to acid reflux, you can feel it after eating.

Take care. I hope I have helped clarify your doubt. Reach me if you need further clarification.

Regards,
Dr. R. K.

***

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Yes, I am sure. I presume you already would have had a consultation with a neurologist who would have also ruled out ALS. Esophageal dysmotility is not very rare.

Yes anxiety is worsening it. Yes, if something is stuck in the throat, you will choke, cough and will not be able to swallow anything.

Take care. I hope I have helped clarify your doubt. Reach me if you need further clarification.

Regards,
Dr. R. K.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar