Differential Diagnosis for 19 YOM with Frequent Food Stuck in Upper Esophagus
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Esophageal stricture or narrowing: This is a common cause of food getting stuck in the esophagus, especially if the patient has a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or has undergone radiation therapy to the chest.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophagus, often due to acid reflux or infection, can cause narrowing or spasms that lead to food impaction.
- Schatzki ring: A mucosal ring that can cause intermittent dysphagia, especially to solid foods.
- Eosinophilic esophagitis: A chronic inflammatory condition characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the esophagus, often associated with food impaction and dysphagia.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Esophageal cancer: Although rare in young adults, esophageal cancer can cause progressive dysphagia and food impaction.
- Foreign body obstruction: Accidental ingestion of a foreign body can cause acute obstruction and should be considered, especially if the onset is sudden.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Achalasia: A motility disorder of the esophagus characterized by the inability of food to pass into the stomach, leading to dysphagia and regurgitation.
- Esophageal web: A rare congenital or acquired condition where a thin membrane of tissue obstructs the esophagus.
- Dysphagia lusoria: A rare condition caused by an aberrant right subclavian artery that compresses the esophagus, leading to dysphagia.