Why Do I Have Difficulty Swallowing Food and Liquids?

The feeling of having something stuck in your throat is often a terrifying experience. And if you or a loved one are constantly struggling or are adapting the way you eat to swallow food, your esophagus is likely not functioning properly. We welcome back Dr. Pooja Singhal, a Gastroenterologist at SSM Health St. Anthony’s Hospital in Oklahoma City, OK, to explain what’s going on with the esophagus and the way it is functioning when someone is struggling to swallow. She provides an overview of the various digestive disorders that can affect one’s ability to swallow food, how it’s possible for swallowing liquid to be a problem, and highlights the adaptive eating behaviors you may not realize you’re doing, which are warning signs you should see your doctor.