About this topic
A food obstruction is when a mass of food becomes stuck in your lower esophagus. Your esophagus is the tube that goes from the back of your throat to your stomach. Another name of an obstruction is a blockage or block. ‚
A food obstruction is different from choking. You are able to breathe, cough, and talk when you have a food obstruction. If you are truly choking, you cannot do any of these things. ‚
What are the causes?
Most often, the cause of the block is a piece of meat. It often happens because of not chewing food properly. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
You are more likely to have a food blockage if you: ‚
- Have a narrow area in your esophagus from something like scar tissue, a ring of tissue, or hiatal hernia.
- Have a health condition that causes you to have dry mouth and less saliva.
- Are elderly and have trouble swallowing.
What are the main signs?
- Coughing, choking, and gagging
- Not able to swallow
- Pain in your chest, neck, or belly
- More saliva than normal
- Throwing up
- You are not able to eat solid food. This may happen in people who are not able to explain they feel a blockage.
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Talk to the doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor if you have any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
Your doctor may order tests like: ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
How your doctor will treat this problem is based on: ‚
- What is causing the obstruction
- Where the blockage is
- How well you are able to breathe and handle your saliva
Most often, your doctor will need to do a procedure called an endoscopy. Then the doctor can remove the food that is stuck in your esophagus. Sometimes, the doctor may try giving you a drug to relax your esophagus. This may help the food pass into your stomach. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Take small bites and chew your food all the way. Eat slowly.
- Take extra care when eating if you have a condition that affects your throat.
- Drink small amounts of water when you are eating to help swallow.
- If you have swallowing problems, eat soft foods. Avoid dry, hard to chew foods. Do not try to force food down if you are having problems swallowing.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚