Question: I sometimes have a very difficult time swallowing. Food sometimes gets caught in my throat and I need to drink water to dislodge it. I also have acid reflux. Could the two conditions be related, and what can I do about them?
Dr. Hibberd's Answer:
There are many causes that can lead to difficulty in swallowing food. This is called dysphagia and is a sign of a problem with your throat or esophagus which is the muscular tube that moves food and liquids from the back of your mouth to your stomach.
If you have a hard time swallowing once or twice, you probably do not have a medical problem. But if you have trouble swallowing on a regular basis, you may have a more serious problem and you need medical attention.
Acid reflux is when the contents of your stomach go back into your mouth. Your doctor will give you tips on how to manage acid reflux, and may start you on medication.