Difficulty when swallowing is the sensation that food is stuck in the throat or upper chest. This may be felt high in the neck or lower down, behind the breastbone (sternum).

Swallowing is a complex act that involves the mouth, throat area, and esophagus, the tube that moves food to the stomach. Many nerves and muscles control how these body parts work. Part of the act of swallowing is under voluntary control, which means you are aware of controlling the action. However, much of swallowing is involuntary.

There are many different causes of swallowing difficulty.

Causes may include:

• A blockage due to:
  • Cervical spine disease
  • Emotional or anxiety disorder
  • Esophageal webs
  • Narrowings (strictures) due to radiation, chemicals, medications, or ulcers
  • Schatzki's ring
  • Tumors
  • Zenker's diverticulum
• Nerve and muscle problems such as:
  • Achalasia
  • ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)
  • Esophageal spasm
  • Huntington's disease
  • Infections such as syphilis
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Nutcracker esophagus
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Polymyositis
  • Scleroderma
  • Stroke

Eat slowly, and chew food thoroughly. If a person suddenly shows signs of choking and difficulty breathing, the Heimlich maneuver should be performed immediately.

You may have an easier time swallowing liquids or pureed foods than solids. Avoid very cold or very hot foods if you notice that they worsen the problem.