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Suggest Treatment For Heartburn When Food Gets Stuck In The Throat

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Posted on Mon, 1 Aug 2016
Question: At my last primary care doctor visit she listened to my chest and asked if I had heartburn and I said no. Later that evening when I started to swallow my dinner I felt like my throat had closed and the food was stuck. It only lasted a couple minutes and I had felt that same thing before in the last few months. It wasn't like the heartburn I had while pregnant. Sometimes even water has made it feel that way. So I called and made an appt to see my doctor tomorrow. What could this be and how do I best relate the symptoms to my primary doctor to get the most out of my appt.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Tayyab Malik (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Further evaluation needed

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thank you for using HCM and posting your concern.

Difficulty in swallowing is known as "dysphagia".
It maybe secondary to a motility disorder or a tumor growth within the esophagus.

If you experienced only 1 to 2 episodes of dysphagia, that lasted for a couple of minutes, then there may not be something severe. Quite often, cold beverages or certain food additives may also cause "intermittent dysphagia". It does not usually require medication or management.

However, dysphagia simultaneously for solids and liquids usually for a longer period of time usually occurs due to a motility disorder of the esophagus.

Progressive dysphagia (from solids to liquids) maybe the result of a growth of a tumor within the esophagus.

Therefore, for the latter two presentations, one may need a barium swallow radiological examination OR an endoscopic examination to visualize the esophagus. Further course of action depends on the test results.

Hope to answer your concern.
Any further questions are most welcome.

If no further questions, kindly rate the answer and close the dialogue box.
Wish you good and sound health.

Thank you.
Regards,
Dr Tayyab Malik

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Tayyab Malik

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 819 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Heartburn When Food Gets Stuck In The Throat

Brief Answer: Further evaluation needed Detailed Answer: Hi. Thank you for using HCM and posting your concern. Difficulty in swallowing is known as "dysphagia". It maybe secondary to a motility disorder or a tumor growth within the esophagus. If you experienced only 1 to 2 episodes of dysphagia, that lasted for a couple of minutes, then there may not be something severe. Quite often, cold beverages or certain food additives may also cause "intermittent dysphagia". It does not usually require medication or management. However, dysphagia simultaneously for solids and liquids usually for a longer period of time usually occurs due to a motility disorder of the esophagus. Progressive dysphagia (from solids to liquids) maybe the result of a growth of a tumor within the esophagus. Therefore, for the latter two presentations, one may need a barium swallow radiological examination OR an endoscopic examination to visualize the esophagus. Further course of action depends on the test results. Hope to answer your concern. Any further questions are most welcome. If no further questions, kindly rate the answer and close the dialogue box. Wish you good and sound health. Thank you. Regards, Dr Tayyab Malik