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Suggest Treatment For Food Stuck In The Throat

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Posted on Fri, 17 Mar 2017
Question: Hi there - I swallowed a small piece of steak last night and it got stuck in my throat for about 10 seconds - it cleared and then I believe got caught in my chest/esophagus area. I have tried water, hot water, hot tea, soft break, diet coke and I believe it is still there. It has been since last night at 8:30pm. I can swallow and eat normally - a little delay in swallowing. Can I wait to see if it goes down or do I have to go to ER?
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
since able to swallow, can monitor for now

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Yes, since you are still able to swallow, though with discomfort, you can monitor for now.

If you were experiencing difficulty swallowing then this would warrant assessment as soon as possible.

Some of the discomfort that you are experiencing would be due to the superficial mild trauma to the esophagus.
It would be best to avoid hot teas or very hot foods because since the area has mild trauma, these would make it worse.

Use cold or lukewarm liquids for 24 to 48 hours, avoid very hard foods that may cause abrasion.

Consider the use of an anti inflammatory agent (medication that can help to reduce inflammation) such as ibuprofen, cataflam or naproxen.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Food Stuck In The Throat

Brief Answer: since able to swallow, can monitor for now Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Yes, since you are still able to swallow, though with discomfort, you can monitor for now. If you were experiencing difficulty swallowing then this would warrant assessment as soon as possible. Some of the discomfort that you are experiencing would be due to the superficial mild trauma to the esophagus. It would be best to avoid hot teas or very hot foods because since the area has mild trauma, these would make it worse. Use cold or lukewarm liquids for 24 to 48 hours, avoid very hard foods that may cause abrasion. Consider the use of an anti inflammatory agent (medication that can help to reduce inflammation) such as ibuprofen, cataflam or naproxen. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions