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I Can't Swallow Food, It Gets Stuck In My Throat.

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Posted on Wed, 22 May 2019
Question: I can't swallow food, it gets stuck in my throat. Not all the time, I don't know when it will happen. Since January I stopped drinking milk and eating yogurt and that has helped. The other day though I had cream cheese and tomatoes. The next evening we were at dinner
and my chicken didn't want to go down.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ornela Ademovi (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Dysphagia

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

I undersand your concern. The difficulty swallowing food and the feeling of food getting stuck in the food pipe (esophagus) is also known as dysphagia. It may apply to liquids, solids or both.

The feeling of food stuck in your throat can be due to many factors such as acid reflux from the stomach, irritation of the inner lining of the food pipe, small sacs or masses in the esophagus, as well as weakening of the muscles in your throat and esophagus.

It is, therefore, very important to investigate further, so I recommend you see a gastroenterologist who will perform a barium swallow (x ray of the throat and esophagus) or an upper endoscopy with a possible biopsy.

The treatment will depend on the cause found after the above mentioned tests.

In the mean time, I recommend you take over the counter anti acids such as Zantac 150 extra strength which would provide relief in case of esophageal irritation and acid reflux.

I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ornela Ademovi

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 725 Questions

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I Can't Swallow Food, It Gets Stuck In My Throat.

Brief Answer: Dysphagia Detailed Answer: Hello, I undersand your concern. The difficulty swallowing food and the feeling of food getting stuck in the food pipe (esophagus) is also known as dysphagia. It may apply to liquids, solids or both. The feeling of food stuck in your throat can be due to many factors such as acid reflux from the stomach, irritation of the inner lining of the food pipe, small sacs or masses in the esophagus, as well as weakening of the muscles in your throat and esophagus. It is, therefore, very important to investigate further, so I recommend you see a gastroenterologist who will perform a barium swallow (x ray of the throat and esophagus) or an upper endoscopy with a possible biopsy. The treatment will depend on the cause found after the above mentioned tests. In the mean time, I recommend you take over the counter anti acids such as Zantac 150 extra strength which would provide relief in case of esophageal irritation and acid reflux. I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care