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When food feels stuck in your chest
The food pipe carries food to the stomach. Some conditions can slow it or narrow it.
Awaiting clinical review. This page is written from general, widely accepted background on how eating and swallowing work. It has not yet been signed off by a named clinician, and it is not a substitute for asking one.
What the food pipe does
The food pipe, or esophagus, is a muscle tube from the throat to the stomach. It squeezes food down in a wave.
At the bottom, a ring of muscle opens to let food into the stomach.
A few things that can affect it
These are only some of the causes. Tests can show which, if any, fits.
- Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE): an allergy-type swelling of the food pipe. Food, often meat or bread, can stick.
- A stricture: a narrow spot, for example from long-term reflux. Solid food may stick there.
- Achalasia: the food pipe does not squeeze well, and the bottom ring does not open. Food and drink can both be slow.
What you might notice
- Food that feels stuck behind the breastbone, a few seconds after swallowing.
- Needing a drink to push food down.
- Food or liquid coming back up, undigested.
- Chest discomfort, or heartburn.
- Avoiding meat, bread or rice without quite noticing.
What can help
- See a doctor. Food sticking in the chest is worth checking, even if it clears.
- Write down which foods stick, and how often.
- Take small bites, and chew well.
- Sit upright to eat, and stay upright after.
- A GI doctor may look inside the food pipe with a small camera.
When stuck is an emergency
If food is stuck and will not go down, get help now. The same if you cannot swallow your own saliva.
Do not wait to see if it clears. Call 911 or go to the emergency room.
Questions to ask your care team
- Should I see a GI doctor about this?
- If there is a narrow spot, what are the options, and what does each involve?
- Do I need a test to look at my food pipe?
- Could reflux or a medicine play a part?
- What should I do if food sticks again?
When to get help
Get checked soon if you notice any of these. A doctor or SLP can look at what is going on.
You know your own body best. Bring what you notice to your care team, and decide together.
- Coughing or choking when you eat or drink.
- Food or pills that feel stuck.
- Losing weight without trying.
- Pneumonia or chest infections, especially if they come back.
When this is worth asking about
- Food is stuck and will not go down, or you cannot swallow saliva. Call 911.
- Food sticks in your chest, even now and then.
- Swallowing hurts, or there is chest pain.
- You are losing weight without trying.
