Swallowing difficulty

Definition

Difficulty with swallowing is the feeling that food or liquid is stuck in the throat or at any point before the food enters the stomach. This problem is also called dysphagia.

Alternative Names

Dysphagia; Impaired swallowing; Choking - food; Globus sensation

Causes

The process of swallowing involves several steps. These include:

There are many nerves that help the muscles of the mouth, throat, and esophagus work together. Much of swallowing occurs without you being aware of what you are doing.

Swallowing is a complex act. Many nerves work in a fine balance to control how the muscles of the mouth, throat, and esophagus work together.

A brain or nerve disorder can alter this fine balance in the muscles of the mouth and throat.

Stress or anxiety may cause some people to feel tightness in the throat or feel as if something is stuck in the throat. This sensation is called globus sensation and is unrelated to eating. However, there may be some underlying cause.

Problems that involve the esophagus often cause swallowing problems. These may include:

Symptoms

Chest pain, the feeling of food stuck in the throat, or heaviness or pressure in the neck or upper or lower chest may be present.

Other symptoms may include:

You may have problems swallowing with any eating or drinking, or only with certain types of foods or liquids. Early signs of swallowing problems may include difficulty when eating:

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider will order tests to look for:

A test called upper endoscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is often done.

Other tests may include:

You may also need to have blood tests to look for disorders that could cause swallowing problems.

Treatment

The treatment for your swallowing problem depends on the cause.

It is important to learn how to eat and drink safely. Incorrect swallowing may lead to choking or breathing food or liquid into your main airway. This can lead to pneumonia.

To manage swallowing problems at home:

Medicines that may be used depend on the cause, and may include:

Procedures and surgeries that may be used include:

You may need a feeding tube if:

A feeding tube is inserted directly into the stomach through the abdominal wall (G-tube).

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if swallowing problems do not improve after a few days, or they come and go.

Contact your provider right away if:

References

Kavitt RT, Vaezi MF. Diseases of the esophagus. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 68.

Munter DW. Esophageal foreign bodies. In: Roberts JR, Custalow CB, Thomsen TW, eds. Roberts and Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 39.

Pandolfino JE, Kahrilas PJ. Esophageal neuromuscular function and motility disorders. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 44.

Srinath A, Rudolph JA. Nutrition and gastroenterology. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 11.



Review Date: 8/8/2023
Reviewed By: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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