I Feel Like Food Is Getting Stuck in My Throat
The sensation of food getting stuck can be deeply uncomfortable. Here is what might be causing it.
When food actually gets stuck (not just the feeling of it), there may be a physical cause in the throat or esophagus.
- Common causes include:
- GERD (acid reflux) β chronic reflux can cause inflammation and narrowing of the esophagus
- Esophageal stricture β benign narrowing of the esophagus, often from long-term reflux
- Eosinophilic esophagitis β an allergic condition where white blood cells build up in the esophagus, making it narrow
- Schatzki ring β a benign ring of tissue at the junction of the esophagus and stomach
- Motility disorder β the muscles of the esophagus do not coordinate properly
- Zenker's diverticulum β a pouch in the throat that traps food
- Tumor β rare, but a growth in the esophagus or throat can cause food to get stuck
The pattern matters: if solid foods are getting stuck first, and later liquids also get stuck, this is more concerning.
What to Look For
- Usually not serious:
- Only happens occasionally with specific foods (bread, meat)
- Will pass after drinking water
- Sensation in the middle of the chest
- Associated with heartburn
- Worth having checked:
- Getting stuck episodes are becoming more frequent
- You are changing what you eat to avoid episodes
- Weight loss because you cannot eat normally
- Food comes back up (regurgitation)
- First solids get stuck, then later liquids also have trouble
When to See a Doctor
- See a gastroenterologist or ENT doctor if:
- Food is actually getting stuck (not just the feeling)
- You are avoiding certain foods because you worry they will get stuck
- You have unintentional weight loss
- The episodes are getting more frequent or worse