Basics

• Difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia, is the sensation of having trouble moving food or liquids from the mouth to the stomach.

Common causes

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

• Structural issues like narrowing of the esophagus.

• Certain medications that may cause dry mouth.

When it's okay to monitor symptoms

• If difficulty swallowing is occasional and associated with dry mouth or eating too quickly.

• When it improves with changes in eating habits or drinking more water.

When to talk to a doctor

• Persistent or worsening difficulty swallowing.

• Frequent choking or coughing while eating.

• Unexplained weight loss.

When to seek emergency care

• Sudden onset of severe difficulty swallowing.

• If difficulty swallowing is accompanied by chest pain or the inability to breathe.

• If difficulty swallowing is with double vision, trouble speaking or other vertigo or being off balance

Home remedies and over-the-counter medications

• Take smaller bites and chew food thoroughly.

• Drink plenty of water while eating.

• Over-the-counter medications for acid reflux.