Hi Mag,
Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I am glad that you found us and took the time to post.
The xiphoid process, as you probably know is also known as the xiphisternum. It is a small cartilaginous extension to the lower part of the sternum. Your physician was able to tell you what it was simply by location and a slight touch.
What is causing the swelling is what you want to know? If you've done some searching you know that the inflammation is most likely caused by a form of Costrochondritis..... Unless you can attribute it to an injury.
Gastrointestinal issues can irritate the Xiphoid Process. Poor posture, not sitting upright can also place pressure on this Process and cause it to swell or become inflamed.
If your swollen Xiphoid Process is responsible for the difficultly you experience swallowing or an underlying Gastro problem can only be determined by a Physician. It bears some investigation. If I was concerned I would return to my PCP for testing. You may want to request a Gastrointestional consult. Be assertive if this is causing your worry.
You may want to post of MedHelp's Forums that are nore related to this issue such as the Gastrointestional Forum.
Here's also a link to a Physican's response regarding similar symptoms on MedHelp's Undiagnosed Symptoms Forum:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Undiagnosed-Symptoms/xiphoid-process-swelling--pain-and-discomfort/show/1169360
I hope this has been helpful. Please let us know how you are doing. I'll look forward to your updates.
Take Care and Good Luck,
~Tuck