Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Food To Get Stuck In The Esophagus?

On occasion, if a bite of food, particularly meat, is too large, it will be blocked and my esophagus will fill with my last two bites of food. Once these are coughed up, my esophagus seems to relax and I can continue eating. It may take 15 minutes for my esophagus to relax. Sometimes I keep spitting up mucous. Is the only way to avoid this chewing my food 30 times before swallowing. I cannot take large pills. I am 78 years old.
posted on Fri, 29 Dec 2017
Twitter Fri, 22 Jun 2018 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 26 Jun 2018 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

As per your description your problem can be termed as dysphagia. Which is simply difficulty in swallowing. It could be due to many causes but a detailed evaluation is needed to find out what exactly causing this. As a first line investigation, an upper GI endoscopy is needed to look for any lesions in esophagus or stomach. I suggest you to consult a gastroenterologist and he will direct you accordingly. As of now avoid hot and spicy foods and take antacids like Pantoprazole or Omeprazole. No need to chew thirty times!

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Food To Get Stuck In The Esophagus?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. As per your description your problem can be termed as dysphagia. Which is simply difficulty in swallowing. It could be due to many causes but a detailed evaluation is needed to find out what exactly causing this. As a first line investigation, an upper GI endoscopy is needed to look for any lesions in esophagus or stomach. I suggest you to consult a gastroenterologist and he will direct you accordingly. As of now avoid hot and spicy foods and take antacids like Pantoprazole or Omeprazole. No need to chew thirty times! Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.