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I Feel Like Food Is Stuck in My Throat: Is It Dysphagia?
The sensation that food is stuck in your throat is both distressing and uncomfortable. If you or a loved one experiences it regularly, it could be a sign of dysphagia, which is difficulty swallowing.
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.com, 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)
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
Feature
Globus (Lump Feeling)
True Dysphagia
Real blockage?
No
Yes
Painful?
Rare
Often
Causes weight loss?
No
Sometimes
Triggered by stress?
Often
Not usually
Test results
Normal
May show swelling, narrowing, or blockage
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.