Dysphagia (patient information)
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Dysphagia |
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Dysphagia On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Raviteja Guddeti, M.B.B.S. [2]
Overview
Swallowing involves chewing food and moving it into the back of the mouth to transport it down the esophagus, the tube that moves food to the stomach.
Difficulty with swallowing is the feeling that food or liquid is stuck in the throat or at any point before the food enters the stomach. This problem is also called dysphagia.
What are the symptoms of Dysphagia ?
Chest pain, the feeling of food stuck in the throat, or heaviness or pressure in the neck or upper or lower chest may be present, as well as:
- Cough or wheezing that becomes worse
- Coughing up food that has not been digested
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Sour taste in the mouth
You may have problems swallowing with any eating or drinking, or only with certain types of foods or liquids. Difficulty eating very hot or cold foods, dry crackers or bread, meat, or chicken may be an early sign of swallowing problems.