Feeling food stuck when swallowing can be unsettling. This sensation, medically termed dysphagia, describes difficulty moving food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach. While occasional instances might be minor and temporary, persistent or recurring dysphagia can indicate an underlying medical condition that warrants attention. Understanding normal swallowing helps recognize when issues arise.
The Normal Swallowing Process
Swallowing is a complex and coordinated action involving numerous muscles and nerves working in sequence. It typically unfolds in three main phases. The oral phase begins voluntarily, as food is chewed and mixed with saliva, then the tongue propels the prepared food, or bolus, to the back of the mouth. Next, the pharyngeal phase commences as the bolus enters the throat, triggering involuntary reflexes that close off the airway to prevent food from entering the lungs. Finally, during the esophageal phase, rhythmic muscle contractions, known as peristalsis, propel the food down the esophagus toward the stomach, where a muscular valve at the end relaxes to allow entry.
Common Causes of Food Getting Stuck
Difficulty swallowing can arise from various issues affecting any part of this coordinated pathway, from structural problems within the swallowing tube itself to conditions impacting the nerves and muscles that control the process.
Issues with the Esophagus
Structural problems within the esophagus are common reasons for food getting stuck. Esophageal strictures, which are abnormal narrowings of the swallowing tube, can make it difficult for food to pass through. These strictures often result from chronic acid reflux, where stomach acid irritates the esophageal lining, leading to scarring and tightening. Thin tissue formations, such as esophageal webs or rings, can also partially block the esophagus, causing food to get caught.
Inflammatory conditions like Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) also contribute to swallowing difficulties. EoE involves an accumulation of white blood cells called eosinophils in the esophagus, causing inflammation and potentially leading to narrowing or stiffness. This inflammation can lead to narrowing or stiffness, making solid food difficult to swallow.
Beyond structural changes, functional problems can impair esophageal movement. Esophageal spasms involve uncoordinated and sometimes forceful contractions of the esophageal muscles, disrupting the smooth passage of food. Achalasia is another condition where the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve at the bottom of the esophagus, fails to relax properly, making it difficult for food to enter the stomach.
Neurological or Muscular Conditions
Conditions that affect the nervous system or muscles can significantly impair the ability to swallow by disrupting the precise coordination required. Stroke is a common neurological cause, as it can damage the brain regions that control swallowing muscles. Degenerative neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, can also lead to dysphagia, with muscle rigidity and slowness affecting chewing and the movement of food through the throat.
Other conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) impact nerve signals to muscles, causing weakness that interferes with swallowing. Myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder, specifically targets the communication between nerves and muscles, leading to muscle weakness that can make chewing and swallowing challenging.
Other Contributing Factors
Sometimes, less severe factors can contribute to the sensation of food getting stuck. Eating too quickly or not chewing food thoroughly can result in larger food pieces that are harder to swallow. A dry mouth, medically known as xerostomia, can also impede swallowing because saliva is important for moistening food and facilitating its movement. Certain medications can also lead to dry mouth or affect esophageal function, potentially causing or worsening swallowing difficulties.
When to Seek Medical Advice and What to Expect
Persistent or worrisome swallowing difficulties should prompt a visit to a healthcare professional. Several symptoms serve as important indicators to seek medical attention. These include feeling that food is frequently stuck in the throat or chest, experiencing pain while swallowing, or having recurrent coughing or choking during meals. Unexplained weight loss or frequent regurgitation of food also warrant evaluation.
During a doctor’s visit, the healthcare provider will typically gather information about the symptoms and medical history. A physical examination may also be part of the initial assessment. To pinpoint the cause of dysphagia, several diagnostic tests may be used. A barium swallow study involves drinking a liquid that coats the esophagus, allowing its structure and function to be observed on X-rays. An endoscopy involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera down the throat to visualize the esophagus and stomach lining directly. Esophageal manometry measures the pressure and coordination of muscle contractions within the esophagus, helping to identify motility disorders.