Feeling That Food is Becoming Trapped in Your Throat, Chest, or Sternum – Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Feeling That Food is Becoming Trapped in Your Throat, Chest, or Sternum – Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment at Emirates Hospitals Group

Overview

The sensation of food becoming trapped in the throat, chest, or sternum is often uncomfortable and can be associated with difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia. This symptom may be caused by issues in the esophagus or throat, ranging from mild conditions like acid reflux to more serious disorders. Identifying the cause is important for determining the right treatment.

Causes

1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – Stomach acid that irritates the esophagus may cause food to feel stuck, often accompanied by heartburn.
2. Esophageal Motility Disorders – Conditions such as achalasia, where the esophagus doesn’t properly push food into the stomach, can create a feeling of food being stuck.
3. Esophageal Strictures – Narrowing of the esophagus, often due to acid reflux or injury, can obstruct food from passing easily.
4. Hiatal Hernia – When part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm, it can cause a sensation of fullness or food getting stuck.
5. Throat or Esophageal Cancer – Malignancies can lead to blockage or narrowing, resulting in difficulty swallowing and the feeling of food being trapped.
6. Food Impaction – A large or poorly chewed piece of food can get lodged in the esophagus, causing discomfort.

Diagnosis

1. Physical Examination – A doctor may assess symptoms, medical history, and perform a swallowing assessment.
2. Endoscopy – A procedure where a flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the throat and esophagus to check for obstructions, inflammation, or tumors.
3. Barium Swallow X-ray – A series of X-rays taken after drinking a contrast medium to identify any blockages or structural issues in the esophagus.
4. Manometry – A test that measures the pressure and movement in the esophagus to identify motility disorders.

Treatment Options

• Medications – Antacids or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for GERD, or muscle relaxants for motility disorders.
• Dilatation – A procedure to stretch or widen narrowed areas of the esophagus.
• Surgical Treatment – In severe cases, surgery may be required to repair structural issues or treat cancer.
• Lifestyle Changes – Eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding large food particles, and managing acid reflux can help alleviate symptoms.

Early intervention can help prevent complications and improve swallowing.