Food pipe & stomach
Swallowing difficulty
Food that sticks in the chest can come from a narrowing (stricture) of the food pipe, a muscle problem of the food pipe, severe reflux, or a growth.
Common symptoms
- Food sticking behind the breastbone
- Needing water to push food down
- Bringing back undigested food
- Weight loss
Causes and risk factors
- Narrowing (stricture) from long-standing acid reflux
- Achalasia, where the food pipe muscles do not relax
- Inflammation of the food pipe (eosinophilic oesophagitis)
- Narrowing after swallowing acid or other chemicals, or after radiation
- A growth in the food pipe
How it is diagnosed
An upper GI endoscopy is the main test. A barium swallow or manometry, which measures the food pipe muscles, may also be needed.
Treatment
An endoscopy finds the cause. Narrowings can often be widened with a balloon or dilator during the same procedure.
Procedures that may help
When to see a gastroenterologist
Any swallowing difficulty that keeps coming back. If you cannot swallow even saliva, go to an emergency department.
Common questions
Is difficulty swallowing always cancer?
No. Most causes are narrowings or muscle problems that can be treated. An endoscopy is still important to find the cause and rule out a growth.
Can a narrowing come back after it is widened?
Sometimes, especially with long narrowings. Repeat sessions, spaced a few weeks apart, are common and safe.