What Does Chronic Choking After Eating Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 6 Sep 2017

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

Wed, 6 Sep 2017 Answered on

Wed, 27 Sep 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a problem with chronic choking whenever I eat anything. I am over 65 and female.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Medication to use and examinations are recommended

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking at HealthcareMagic.

I carefully read your question and understand your concern.

Choking time after time with food is something that can happen to anyone but having it every time you eat is something unusual and might need medical attention.

The causes may vary from simple dysfunction of the esophagus (the tube that connects the throat with the stomach) due to acid reflux and irritation, to structural problems like "pockets" in the throat called diverticula medically, and more rarely due to tumors.

To better evaluate and have an understanding what is going on it is advisable to see your doctor and have a check and see the need for other examinations for the diagnosis.

Common examinations that are used for this are examination with barium which consists of drinking some fluid and then having X-rays that visualize the areas the fluid went through and visualizes the esophagus also and will tell of structural and functional problems if present.
If this is not satisfactory, then a small camera can be used to visualize the throat and the esophagus.

To conclude I would say:
1. please have an appointment with your doctor and see the need for further examinations
2. avoid smoking and alcohol as these can cause and aggravate problems with esophagus
3. take meanwhile some Omeprazole 20 mg, twice a day to help with the acid reflux and this might help with your symptoms if they are related to acid reflux- a very common cause of it.

I hope this is helpful and answers your questions but please feel free to reply in case any more clarification is needed on this.

Kind Regards,

Antoneta Zotaj, MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (4 hours later)

Thank you for your response. I will see a doctor locally, and will try the Omeprazole 20 mg.

Dona

Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
That's great you will have it checked

Detailed Answer:
Hello Dona,

That's great you are seeing your doctor.

Please feel free to let us know for any concerns you might have.

All the best

Antoneta Zotaj, MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana