Esophageal Blockage: Signs, Causes & Treatment

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Esophageal blockages can be really uncomfortable, and leave you with a painful feeling in your throat or chest. [1] Don’t worry. We’re here to answer all your questions, so you can feel better as soon as possible.

Tips to Clear a Esophageal Blockage

If the block is caused by food or a foreign object, a doctor may inject glucagon to help relax muscles in your digestive system. Alternatively, they might take a contrast scan to pinpoint where the blockage is, then get rid of it with an endoscope or surgery. If the blockage isn’t severe, drink a carbonated beverage.

Section 1 of 4:

What causes blockage in esophagus?

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  1. [2] Stuck food in your esophagus is sometimes called “Steakhouse Syndrome,” since these blockages happen more often with solid food. [3]
    • Your esophagus is likely blocked if you experience chest pain, drooling, trouble swallowing, or feel like you're gagging, choking, or coughing.
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Section 2 of 4:

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  1. Dysphagia is a fancy term for having trouble swallowing. This can be caused by a lot of factors, including food obstruction. With dysphagia, you feel like there’s a lump in your chest or throat. [4]
    • Dysphagia is also caused by Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), where stomach contents re-enter and irritate your esophagus.
  2. With globus pharyngeus, you feel like food or a foreign object is lodged in your throat or chest, even if there’s nothing there. This condition isn’t painful, but it’s still frustrating to deal with. [5]
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Section 3 of 4:

How is an esophageal obstruction treated?

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  1. [6] Glucagon is a drug that helps relax muscles in your digestive system, like the muscles in your esophagus. [7] This injection might clear up the blockage. [8]
  2. They might take a contrast scan, which helps them pinpoint where the blockage is. Then, they’ll get rid of the blockage with an endoscope, or through further surgery. [9]
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Section 4 of 4:

What helps food go down the esophagus?

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  1. Doctors agree that, in moderation, carbonated drinks can help. However, if your blockage is pretty severe, this remedy might make it worse. In severe cases, always call a doctor or emergency services for help. [10]
    • If you don’t have soda or seltzer water on hand, regular water might do the trick, too.

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      References

      1. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/feel-like-food-is-stuck-in-your-throat-what-to-do-and-how-to-find-relief/
      2. ↑ https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-we-treat/blockage-oesophagus/
      3. ↑ https://www.winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article?id=629513
      4. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/feel-like-food-is-stuck-in-your-throat-what-to-do-and-how-to-find-relief/
      5. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/feel-like-food-is-stuck-in-your-throat-what-to-do-and-how-to-find-relief/
      6. ↑ https://www.winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article?id=629513
      7. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682480.html
      8. ↑ https://www.winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article?id=629513
      9. ↑ https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-we-treat/blockage-oesophagus/
      1. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/feel-like-food-is-stuck-in-your-throat-what-to-do-and-how-to-find-relief/
      2. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-choking/basics/art-20056637

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