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Suggest Remedy For Food Lodged In Esophagus

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Posted on Tue, 9 Feb 2016
Twitter Tue, 9 Feb 2016 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 11 Apr 2016 Last reviewed on
Question : I have some food lodged in asophagus and cant swallow spit. breathing is OK
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Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Seek medical attention immediately.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. Visit an ER (Emergency / casualty ) and seek medical attention immediately.

2. The most common area where the food is stuck is the cricopharynx (upper end of the esophagus). This is the narrowest part of the gut behind the voice box. If the food bolus or large foreign body passes through this area, it does not get obstructed anywhere (except near the appendix).

3. Sometimes it is the injury by a large food bolus that causes the pain and obstruction. Rarely areas such as the pyriform fossa are involved.

4. X-rays, scans, barium swallow study, Videolaryngoscopy, endoscopy are some of the investigations that help, besides observation and iv hydration.

5. Coughing forcefully and vomiting may help expel the foreign body of food bolus, however there is a risk of aspirating it into the airway. Hence always get medical treatment in such a situation.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Sumit Bhatti

Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 2685 Questions

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Suggest Remedy For Food Lodged In Esophagus

Brief Answer: Seek medical attention immediately. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for your query. 1. Visit an ER (Emergency / casualty ) and seek medical attention immediately. 2. The most common area where the food is stuck is the cricopharynx (upper end of the esophagus). This is the narrowest part of the gut behind the voice box. If the food bolus or large foreign body passes through this area, it does not get obstructed anywhere (except near the appendix). 3. Sometimes it is the injury by a large food bolus that causes the pain and obstruction. Rarely areas such as the pyriform fossa are involved. 4. X-rays, scans, barium swallow study, Videolaryngoscopy, endoscopy are some of the investigations that help, besides observation and iv hydration. 5. Coughing forcefully and vomiting may help expel the foreign body of food bolus, however there is a risk of aspirating it into the airway. Hence always get medical treatment in such a situation. I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them. Regards.