How to Clear an Esophageal Blockage

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.

Question 1 of 5:

What causes blockage in esophagus?

  1. Image titled Clear an Esophageal Blockage Step 1
    Chunks of food or foreign can create an esophageal blockage.[2] Stuck food in your esophagus is sometimes called “Steakhouse Syndrome,” since these blockages happen more often with solid food.[3]
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Question 2 of 5:

How do you know if you have a blockage in your esophagus?

  1. Image titled Clear an Esophageal Blockage Step 2
    Chest pain and drooling are common signs. You might also have trouble swallowing, or feel like you’re gagging, choking, or coughing.[4]
Question 3 of 5:

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

  1. Image titled Clear an Esophageal Blockage Step 3
    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.[5]
    • Dysphagia is also caused by Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), where stomach contents re-enter and irritate your esophagus.
  2. Image titled Clear an Esophageal Blockage Step 4
    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.[6]
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Question 4 of 5:

What helps food go down the esophagus?

  1. Image titled Clear an Esophageal Blockage Step 5
    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.[7]
    • If you don’t have soda or seltzer water on hand, regular water might do the trick, too.
Question 5 of 5:

How is an esophageal obstruction treated?

  1. Image titled Clear an Esophageal Blockage Step 6
    1
    A doctor might inject glucagon.[8] Glucagon is a drug that helps relax muscles in your digestive system, like the muscles in your esophagus.[9] This injection might clear up the blockage.[10]
  2. Image titled Clear an Esophageal Blockage Step 7
    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.[11]
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Warnings


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

About This Article

Janice Tieperman
Co-authored by:
Janice Tieperman
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Janice is a professional and creative writer who has worked at wikiHow since 2019. With both a B.A. and M.A. in English from East Stroudsburg University, she has a passion for writing a wide variety of content for anyone and everyone. In her free time, you can find her working on a new crochet pattern, listening to true crime podcasts, or tackling a new creative writing project. This article has been viewed 17,251 times.
12 votes - 58%
Co-authors: 4
Updated: October 21, 2021
Views: 17,251
Categories: Gastrointestinal Tract Health

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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