I'm Choking on My Food More Often Lately

I'm Choking on My Food More Often Lately

Choking while eating can be frightening. Here is what might be happening and when to seek help.

Occasional choking usually happens when food goes down the wrong way — a momentary lapse in coordination. But if it is becoming more frequent, there may be an underlying cause.

• Common causes include:
• Eating too quickly — the most common reason
• Poor dentition — missing teeth or poorly fitting dentures make chewing less effective
• Neurological changes — stroke, Parkinson's disease, or other conditions can affect the muscles used for swallowing
• GERD (acid reflux) — chronic reflux can cause narrowing and affect swallowing
• Xerostomia (dry mouth) — lack of saliva makes swallowing harder
• Stricture or ring — a narrowing in the esophagus
• Vocal cord dysfunction — can affect the airway protection during swallowing
• Tumor — rare, but a growth in the throat or esophagus can obstruct swallowing

What to Look For

• Usually not serious:
• Only happens when eating too fast or distracted
• Happens with specific textures (dry foods, tough meats)
• Can be corrected by eating more slowly and chewing carefully
• No other symptoms

• Worth having checked:
• Choking episodes are becoming more frequent
• Coupling or throat-clearing during meals every time
• You need to swallow multiple times to clear each bite
• Food feels like it is stuck in your chest
• Unintentional weight loss
• Recurrent pneumonia or chest infections

When to See a Doctor

• See a doctor if:
• Choking episodes are increasing in frequency
• You have noticed weight loss
• You develop a cough during or after meals
• You feel like food is sticking in your chest
• You have had a stroke or have a neurological condition

Clinical Guidance