food sticks sometimes

Hello, I am a 42 year old male, in great health. Since I was a kid, I have always had problems with certain foods sticking in the middle of my chest (on its way down). This is especially true with rice or dry chicken. When this happens (every now and then), I can take a drink and feel the fluid back-up behind the stuck food and then after a second or two, feel the cold rush of liquid "flush" the food down into my stomach.

About 3 months ago, while eating rice and chicken at a restaurant, I had some food get stuck in my esogaphus (about mid chest) and I took my drink as usual but everything stayed stuck for about 20 minutes or so. It was a bit painful too. I could breath just fine (although it was quite scary) but food and water were backed-up to the top of the back of my throat to the point where I had to go to the bathroom and spit-out my natural saliva because it felt like I would have drown if I tried swallowing anything more.

I have had no history of acid reflux or heart burn, although maybe 2 or 3 times a year, I might take a Tums or something, but that is pretty far and few between.

While eating some turkey the other night, this happened again for about 3 or 4 minutes, so I thought I'd pose the question of what is this? and should I be concerned being that I have had mild cases of this since I was a kid?

I do get chest pains in my sternum on occasion, but it feels more like a rib out of place than a food problem and actually, on my right side in my upper chest, I can feel one rib sticking-out a little further than the other's and this is right where my pain is, I attribute that pain to a bone / muscle problem rather than food. What do you think?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Things like an anatomical mass, esophageal spasm, esophageal rings, or GERD can lead to problems swallowing (aka dysphagia).  

The first thing to consider would be an upper GI series to ensure there are no masses that can be causing the obstruction.  It can also be a quick screen for GERD.

The definitive test would be an upper endoscopy.  This test can visualize the esophagus and stomach, and sure there is no anatomical abnormality leading to your symptoms.

I would discuss these options with your personal physician, or in conjunction with a GI evaluation.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[versute]

I hear you on the food sticking.  I've had pills do the same thing.  I went to the ER because I took two gelcaps with a little water and they got half-way down and stopped.  I drank some water to make them go down, only, the water blocked my breathing passage.  I had to choke up the water before I suffocated.  So scary.  I hope you are better now.