Health Encyclopedia

Swallowing difficulty

Definition

Difficulty when swallowing is the sensation that food is stuck in the throat or upper chest. This may be felt high in the neck or lower down, behind the breastbone (sternum).

Alternative Names

Dysphagia; Impaired swallowing

Considerations

Swallowing is a complex act that involves the mouth, throat area, and esophagus (the tube that moves food to the stomach). Many nerves and muscles control how these body parts work. Part of the act of swallowing is under voluntary control, which means you are aware of controlling the action. However, much of swallowing is involuntary.

Problems at any point -- from chewing food and moving it into the back of the mouth to moving the food into the stomach -- can result in difficulty swallowing.

Chest pain, the feeling of food stuck in the throat, or heaviness or pressure in the neck or upper chest are frequently the result of swallowing difficulties.

Common Causes

There are many different causes of swallowing difficulty.

Causes may include:

A blockage due to:
- Cervical spine disease
- Emotional or anxiety disorder
- Esophageal webs
- Narrowings (strictures) due to radiation, chemicals, medications, or ulcers
- Schatzki's ring
- Tumors
- Zenker's diverticulum
Nerve and muscle problems such as:
- Achalasia
- ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)
- Esophageal spasm
- Huntington's disease
- Infections such as syphilis
- Myasthenia gravis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Nutcracker esophagus
- Parkinson's disease
- Polymyositis
- Scleroderma
- Stroke

Home Care

Eat slowly, and chew food thoroughly. If a person suddenly shows signs of choking and difficulty breathing, the Heimlich maneuver should be performed immediately.

You may have an easier time swallowing liquids or pureed foods than solids. Avoid very cold or very hot foods if you notice that they worsen the problem.

Call your health care provider if

Call your provider if the problem continues, even if the symptoms come and go.

Tell your doctor about any other symptoms you may have including:

Abdominal pain
Chills
Cough
Heartburn
Nausea
Sour taste in mouth
Weight loss
Wheezing
Vomiting, especially if it contains blood

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:

Do you have difficulty swallowing solids, liquids, or both?
Is the problem constant or does it come and go?
Is it getting worse?
Does it hurt to swallow?
What other symptoms do you have?
What other medical conditions do you have?
What medications do you take?

The following tests may be done:

Review Date:11/13/2007
Reviewed By:Christian Stone, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.