Eating Problems
Difficulty or discomfort when swallowing can be symptoms from the esophagus. These problems can be caused by a number of factors, including esophageal blockages or strictures, muscular or neurological problems, spasms or infections. Some common symptoms (and some potential causes of each symptom) include:
Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia) — Food feels like it gets stuck as it goes down.
Achalasia
Cancer of the esophagus
Candida esophagitis
Cytomegalovirus esophagitis
Esophageal rings or webs
Esophageal spasm
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Herpes esophagitis
Esophagus irritation from a medicine ("pill esophagitis")
Poorly coordinated swallowing, due to muscle or nerve problems
Swallowed foreign bodies
Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
Enlarged aortic arch (aneurysm)
Myasthenia gravis
Stroke and other neurologic problems
Pain Or Discomfort When Swallowing
Cancer of the esophagus
Candida esophagitis
Cytomegalovirus esophagitis
Esophageal stricture
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Herpes esophagitis
Esophagus irritation from a medicine ("pill esophagitis")
Choking Or Coughing
Achalasia (especially coughing at night)
Cancer of the esophagus
Esophageal rings or webs
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Poorly coordinated swallowing, due to muscle or nerve problems
Swallowed foreign bodies
Regurgitation
Achalasia (regurgitation of undigested food at night while sleeping)
Cancer of the esophagus
Esophageal spasm
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Other Eating Difficulties
Amyloidosis — difficulty chewing, enlarged tongue
Cancer of the esophagus — spitting up blood
Gastroesophageal reflux disease — sore throat
