Most people occasionally feel as if they have food stuck in their throats. This can occur when you are eating quickly or not chewing your food well enough. You also may experience occasional feelings of acid reflux or heartburn. If these symptoms occur often or last a long time, however, they may indicate a medical condition that requires treatment. See your doctor if your discomfort persists.
Symptoms
Difficulty swallowing can be a distressing sensation, and may range from feeling like something is stuck in your throat to the inability to swallow. It might be worse when you eat or drink hot or cold foods. You might cough or gag while swallowing. Acid reflux often feels like burning in your esophagus and throat, and may occur with swallowing difficulty. It might feel like constant heartburn or a constant or intermittent sore throat. Certain foods and beverages may make it worse.
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, results in stomach acid backing up into the throat, and often causes swallowing difficulty, hoarseness and a sore throat. If GERD is allowed to persist without treatment, it can erode the esophagus and can cause permanent damage. In severe or long-lasting cases, it also can cause esophageal cancer. Your doctor can run several tests, such as a barium swallow test or an endoscopy, to diagnose or rule out GERD. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medications and, in severe cases, surgery.
Other Causes
Sometimes these symptoms can be caused by anxiety or stress. Esophageal damage caused by an ulcer or medication may be to blame. Tumors or infections also can cause reflux symptoms as well as swallowing difficulty. You might also be experiencing esophageal or throat spasms that make you feel like food is caught in your throat. Because some serious conditions can cause these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor if you are having trouble swallowing your food.
Lifestyle Changes
Chewing your food well and drinking plenty of liquids with your meals may make it easier for you to swallow, and less likely that food will get caught in your throat. If you are overweight or obese, losing weight may alleviate your acid reflux symptoms. Avoid smoking, alcohol and irritating foods, such as citrus fruits, chocolate and caffeine, to relieve heartburn. Eating close to bedtime can exacerbate symptoms, so wait two to three hours after eating before lying down.
