Why can't food debris be swallowed down the throat?

Dec 02, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
Food residue getting stuck in the throat and being unable to swallow may be caused by improper eating habits, pharyngitis, or throat tumors. It could also result from the presence of a foreign body in the throat. Patients are advised to seek medical attention promptly to determine the underlying cause and receive early treatment to avoid delaying the condition. Medications should be taken only under a doctor's guidance; self-medication is not recommended.

Food residue getting stuck in the throat and being unable to swallow may be caused by improper eating habits, pharyngeal inflammation, or throat tumors.

1. Improper eating habits: If a person eats large amounts of food or consumes sticky foods without drinking enough water afterward, food may become difficult to swallow and get stuck in the throat. The upper right part of the throat contains the tonsillar crypts, where foreign bacteria, microorganisms, and food debris can enter the pharynx and be pressed into these crypts during swallowing. This condition generally does not require special treatment; maintaining regular lifestyle habits and proper eating behaviors is usually sufficient.

2. Pharyngeal inflammation: Conditions such as acute pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis, or acute epiglottitis can cause swelling and pain in the throat. In severe cases, these conditions may impair the patient's ability to swallow, causing food to feel stuck in the throat. Treatment should be based on the causative pathogen, with antibiotics such as penicillin or cephalosporin (e.g., amoxicillin capsules, ampicillin capsules, cefazolin capsules) prescribed by a physician.

3. Throat tumors: Both benign and malignant tumors in the throat can lead to difficulty swallowing, resulting in the sensation that food cannot pass through the throat. Patients should seek timely medical evaluation and, if necessary, undergo surgical treatment, possibly combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Additionally, the sensation of food being stuck in the throat may also result from actual foreign bodies lodged in the throat. It is recommended that patients seek prompt medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive early treatment to prevent disease progression.


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