Esophageal Blockage: Signs, Causes & Treatment

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Co-authored by Devin Fisher, CCC-SLP and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: December 13, 2024 References

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• Causes of Esophageal Blockage
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• Why does it feel blocked?
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• Treatment
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• Video
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• Expert Interview
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• Warnings

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Esophageal blockages can be really uncomfortable, and leave you with a painful feeling in your throat or chest. 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.

Steps

Section 1 of 4:

What causes blockage in esophagus?

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1. Chunks of food or foreign can create an esophageal blockage. Stuck food in your esophagus is sometimes called “Steakhouse Syndrome,” since these blockages happen more often with solid food.

   • 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:

Why do I feel like something is stuck in my esophagus?

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1. 1
   Dysphagia could be the culprit. 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.

   • Dysphagia is also caused by Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), where stomach contents re-enter and irritate your esophagus.
2. 2
   Globus pharyngeus might be the issue. 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.
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Section 3 of 4:

How is an esophageal obstruction treated?

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1. 1
   A doctor might inject glucagon. Glucagon is a drug that helps relax muscles in your digestive system, like the muscles in your esophagus. This injection might clear up the blockage.
2. 2
   Doctors may clear up the blockage with an endoscope. 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.
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Section 4 of 4:

What helps food go down the esophagus?

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1. Drink a carbonated beverage if the blockage isn’t that bad. 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.

   • If you don’t have soda or seltzer water on hand, regular water might do the trick, too.

Expert Q&A

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Warnings

• If you’re choking, get help or call emergency services right away.
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