Swallowing Difficulty
(Dysphagia)
What is swallowing difficulty?
When you are aware of the swallowing process and it doesn’t happen normally, then you have swallowing difficulty. The food or liquids take more effort to pass from your mouth to your stomach.
How do I feel when I have swallowing difficulty?
You may feel like food or liquid gets stuck in your throat or chest, or that swallowing takes more effort than usual. Some people feel a choking sensation, a foreign body stuck in the throat, pain while swallowing, or a blocking feeling when eating or drinking.
Why do I have swallowing difficulty?
Difficulty swallowing food or liquids may indicate an underlying problem in the food pipe (esophagus). Some people struggle with solids like chapati or chicken, while others find it hard to swallow liquids or experience pain or choking sensations. These symptoms may result from esophageal narrowing, reflux disease, or motility disorders.
Why does swallowing difficulty happen?
Swallowing difficulty can vary depending on the underlying cause. Some of the common patterns include:
- Difficulty swallowing solid foods such as chapati, roti, or chicken — which may gradually worsen until even soft or semisolid foods like dal, kichadi, or pongal become hard to swallow.
- This could be a sign of narrowing or growth (tumor) in the food pipe (esophagus).
- Difficulty swallowing liquids but not solids — sometimes, people can eat food comfortably but struggle to swallow water or juice.
- This pattern often indicates a motility disorder of the esophagus, where the muscles don’t coordinate properly.
- Choking sensation in the throat — may occur when food or liquid goes down the wrong way or gets momentarily stuck.
- Pain during swallowing (Odynophagia) — may indicate inflammation, ulcer, or infection of the esophageal lining.
When to see a doctor for swallowing difficulty?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Difficulty swallowing progressively worsening over time
- Pain or choking sensation during meals
- Vomiting or regurgitation of food
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
At The Best Gastro Care Centre, we diagnose swallowing problems using endoscopy, barium swallow, and manometry tests. Treatment includes medication, endoscopic dilation, or surgery depending on the cause.
If you have trouble swallowing or feel food getting stuck, consult our experts for accurate diagnosis and relief.