I sometimes have a hard time swallowing food. By that, I mean, when I swallow, the food gets stuck part way down my esophagus, just before it gets to my stomach. I have no trouble breathing, but nothing gets down when it happens. I try to dislodge it by drinking water. Sometimes it works, other times it doesn't and my gag reflex forces the water back up and out my mouth. When that happens, I have to wait for about 1/2 hour to over an hour before attempting again. Waiting that long seems to work. My body relaxes and I then can attempt to swallow with water again, so far, always with success. What is this and is there anything I can do about it?
Hi,Since you are online, could you please give some more information:What is your age and sex?Does this occur only at times, and the rest of the time you have normal swallowing?I am available online to help you further after I get this info.
Reply to Dr. D. Evans's Post: I am 41 years old, Male It only occurs sometimes, maybe once every few months. I am aware of it and try to be careful not to let it happen, by drinking when I eat.
Hi,This would not be a serious condition like a tumor in your esophagus, since in that case you would have a constant and increasing difficulty in swallowing.But it does appear like you have some esophageal motility problem. You need to get yourself checked up for this. You should approach a gastroenterologist. You will need tests like Endoscopy, Barium swallow XRay and Videofluoroscopy study of the swallowing process.You should look up here for a somewhat academic article on dysphagia ( swallowing problems):http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=8272I hope this answer was helpful. If you need more information, feel free to ask. For accepting this answer, please click on the green 'accept' button below. Feedback/Bonus will be warmly appreciated.
Experience: MS in ENT and Head and Neck Surgery , Attachment to Neurosurgery.