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What Causes Food Getting Stuck In The Nasopharynx?

Posted on Mon, 12 May 2014

Question: I have food stuck in my nasopharynx. This is the 3rd time in the last 6-8weeks. I've never had this problem before. What would be causing this and is there a way to get it out other than waiting for it to dissolve?

Answered by Dr. Deepashree (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Palatal paresis/palsy. Detailed Answer: Hi, Food getting stuck in the nasopharynx is not common unless some one has pharyngeal problem like paresis or palsy of soft palate. It can be removed by endoscopy. I recommend you visit an ENT specialist who can examine and exclude palatal paresis/palsy. If needed endoscopy need to be performed dislodge food particles. Don't worry it can be treated. Hope I have answered your query. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Deepashree (1 hour later)

What is palatial paresis/palsy? What causes it? I am a professional singer. Can this be corrected? I'm scared.

Answered by Dr. Deepashree (3 hours later)

Brief Answer: palatal palsy explained Detailed Answer: Hi, the roof of mouth is called palate. It has 2 parts, hard palate in front and soft palate behind it. The main function of this palate is to close the nasopharyngeal opening while swallowing food. In case due to some neurological problem, there is palsy of the soft palate, then food is stuck there. This is neurological problem regarding the cranial nerves. Cure of this condition depends on the degree of palsy and its cause. Without clinical examination, it is difficult to diagnose. So do consult a ENT /neurologist, get yourself clinically examined and treat accordingly. It will not affect your singing practice provided your larynx are not involved. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Deepashree (6 hours later)

Thank you, I do have just a couple more questions before I consult with my ENT. When I warm up my voice and throat, I stretch my soft palate area pretty hard with over exaggerated yawning. How likely is it that I could have caused it by overstretching? If this is the case, will it correct itself if I stop? If I did have that palatal palsy, is there any danger if it is not diagnosed immediately? I might like to stop the stretching and see if it stops the problem if it is at all possible that the stretching is the cause as long as I am not in danger if I wait.

Answered by Dr. Deepashree (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer: hi, Detailed Answer: Hi , in my opinion, over stretching of soft palate will not cause palatal palsy. And I do not recommend you to do it also. Earlier the better. Palsies are very difficult to diagnose clinically. Better do not neglect. If there is nothing you can be more relaxed. Thanks.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj