Written by Dr. Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG

I Feel Like Food Is Stuck in My Throat: Is It Dysphagia?

Have you ever eaten a sandwich and felt like it got stuck in your throat? You try to swallow, but nothing moves. Maybe you feel chest tightness or can't even swallow your saliva. You're not alone. At Gastrodoxs, we hear this often. Let's find out if it's dysphagiaand how to treat it in Houston, Texas.

1. Recognizing the Sensation

This feeling can be scary. It might start like a lump or tightness. You may notice:

• Food feels stuck in your throat
• Chest tightness when swallowing
• A globus sensation (a lump feeling with no blockage)
• Trouble swallowing solids or liquids

Google may show many causes. But knowing when to see a doctor is key.

2. What Is Dysphagia?

Dysphagia means trouble swallowing. It affects the path from your mouth to your stomach.

• Oropharyngeal dysphagia: Trouble moving food from your mouth to your throat
• Esophageal dysphagia: A blockage or weak muscle in the esophagus

Dr. Bharat Pothuri, a Houston GI doctor, says: “Dysphagia can be serious. But it often begins with mild symptoms.”

3. Common Causes of Swallowing Trouble

3.1 Mechanical Blockages

• Eating too fast or without chewing
• Narrowing of the esophagus (rings, tumors, or strictures)
• Eosinophilic esophagitis (an allergy-related condition)

3.2 Neuromuscular Problems

• Stroke or brain injury
• Parkinson’s disease or ALS

3.3 Acid Reflux (GERD)

• Stomach acid irritates the esophagus
• Inflammation can make swallowing feel tight

Dr. Pothuri adds, “Reflux often feels like food is stuck. Treating the reflux usually helps.”

4. Glossary: Key Terms

• Dysphagia: Trouble swallowing
• Globus Sensation: Lump feeling without a real blockage
• Esophagus: Tube from throat to stomach
• Manometry: A test that checks esophagus pressure
• Endoscopy: A test using a camera to check the throat and stomach

5. Symptoms to Watch For

Be alert to these signs:

• Feeling of something stuck each time you swallow
• Pain while swallowing
• Chronic coughing or choking
• Food coming back up
• Weight loss you can’t explain
• Chest tightness while eating

Dr. Pothuri warns: "Delaying care can cause poor nutrition or worse."

6. How to Get Relief at Home

6.1 Stay Hydrated

• Sip warm water or tea with honey
• Use a humidifier to soothe your throat

6.2 Eat the Right Way

• Sit upright when eating
• Chew slowly—about 20 times per bite
• Eat smaller meals more often

6.3 Swallowing Tricks

• Tilt your head forward slightly
• Try carbonated drinks to move food
• Swallow with applesauce or yogurt

6.4 Over-the-Counter Help

• Try antacids for acid reflux
• Use lozenges for lump sensations

If your symptoms last more than a few days, it’s time to call a doctor.

7. When to See a Specialist in Houston

Don't wait if you:

• Can’t swallow your saliva
• Lose weight fast
• See blood in vomit or stool
• Have a high fever or sharp pain

Dr. Pothuri and the team at Gastrodoxs in Houston can help.

8. Diagnostic Tests

Your doctor may suggest:

• Barium Swallow: A chalky drink shows problem spots on X-rays
• Upper Endoscopy (EGD): A camera checks your throat and esophagus
• Esophageal Manometry: Measures swallowing strength
• pH Monitoring: Tests how much acid backs up

“These tests are quick and safe,” says Dr. Pothuri. “They help us choose the best treatment.”

9. Treatment Options

9.1 Medications

• PPIs for acid reflux
• Steroids for allergic inflammation
• Muscle relaxers for spasms

9.2 Endoscopy Procedures

• Dilation to stretch tight areas
• Botox for spasm relief
• Foreign object removal

9.3 Surgery

• Myotomy: Cuts tight muscles
• Fundoplication: Reduces reflux by wrapping the stomach top around the esophagus

10. How to Dislodge Stuck Food

If you think food is stuck in your chest or throat:

• Stay calm
• Sip fizzy water
• Try soft foods like bread or banana
• If it won’t budge in 15 minutes, call a doctor

"Never force food down,” warns Dr. Pothuri. "You could hurt your esophagus.">

11. Globus Sensation vs. Real Dysphagia

12. Prevention Tips

• Eat slowly and chew well
• Skip spicy, fatty, or acidic foods
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Don’t smoke—tobacco makes reflux worse
• Sleep with your head elevated

13. Support in Houston

At Gastrodoxs, we know Houston life can be fast-paced. Dr. Pothuri says, "Even small changes—like choosing grilled fish over late-night tacos-can help."

14. Key Takeaways

• A "stuck" throat feeling has many causes
• Home remedies may help mild cases
• See a doctor if symptoms last or worsen
• Gastrodoxs in Houston offers expert tests and care

Conclusion

A stuck feeling in your throat may be harmless or a sign of dysphagia. Try gentle home care first. But if you still think, "I feel like I can’t swallow my saliva," or have chest pain when swallowing-don't wait. Call Gastrodoxs in Houston. Dr. Pothuri and his team are ready to help you feel better fast.

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.