Difficulty Swallowing

Patients may experience difficulty swallowing food or liquid due to food allergies, muscle spasms, esophagitis, or other types of issues.

What does it mean to have difficulty swallowing?

Having difficulty swallowing means that you find it hard to eat or drink because the food and liquids have trouble moving from your mouth to your stomach. It can be caused by various problems, such as muscle spasms or food allergies. It’s important to figure out the cause of your difficulty swallowing so that the right treatment can be given before it becomes a more serious problem. To find out about the treatment options that are available to you, get in touch with our GI doctors at The Gut Clinic UK and schedule an appointment.

What causes swallowing difficulties?

Difficulty swallowing can happen for various reasons and it’s not always clear-cut. When you have trouble swallowing, it could be due to an undiagnosed condition, a food allergy, or inflammation in your esophagus. Here are some possible causes:

– Muscle spasms
– Achalasia (when the muscle that allows food into the stomach doesn’t relax properly)
– Foreign objects stuck in the throat or esophagus
– Narrowing of the esophagus due to esophageal rings
– Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
– Neurological disorders
– Hypothyroidism

Difficulty swallowing can affect people of all ages, but it’s more common in older adults. If you want to learn more about the different causes and available treatments, make an appointment with the GI specialists at The Gut Clinic UK. They can provide you with the information and care you need.

What are the symptoms of swallowing difficulty?


If you’re having trouble swallowing, it could be a sign of various conditions. It’s important to seek treatment promptly to ensure you can eat and breathe normally. Some common symptoms of difficulty swallowing include:

– Feeling pain in your throat when swallowing
– Not being able to swallow properly
– Sensation of food getting stuck in your throat
– Hoarseness in your voice
– Frequent heartburn
– Trouble breathing

If you experience any combination of these symptoms regularly, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist at The Gut Clinic UK. It’s especially crucial to see your doctor if you’re losing weight or vomiting along with difficulty swallowing. They will be able to evaluate your condition and provide appropriate treatment.

What are the treatments for difficulty swallowing?

The first step in treating difficulty swallowing is to figure out what is causing it. If the problem is due to food allergies, we will help you identify the specific foods causing the issue and advise you to avoid them. If it is caused by esophagitis, we will determine if it is due to an infection or acid reflux, and provide appropriate treatment. For muscle spasms in the throat, we may prescribe medications to relax the muscles or suggest surgery if necessary. Our GI specialists at The Gut Clinic UK are here to help you overcome difficulty swallowing and regain your ability to eat and drink comfortably.

FIND A SPECIALIST

Find a specialist for your gut problem.

The Gut Clinic UK is a one of largest physician-led platform renowned for its exceptional Gut specialists in the United Kingdom. We take pride in our rigorous selection process for specialists, ensuring that only the most qualified and experienced professionals join our platform.

Our specialists actively engage with patients, providing them with clear explanations, answering their questions, and involving them in the decision-making process.