Differential Diagnosis for Food Getting Stuck
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Esophageal Dysphagia: This is often the first consideration when food gets stuck, as it can be caused by a variety of common conditions such as esophagitis, esophageal stricture, or a motility disorder like achalasia. The esophagus' role in transporting food to the stomach makes any obstruction or dysfunction here a prime suspect.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): While primarily associated with heartburn, GERD can lead to inflammation and strictures that cause food to get stuck.
- Esophageal Diverticula: These are pouches in the esophageal wall that can trap food, leading to the sensation of food getting stuck.
- Oral or Pharyngeal Dysphagia: Issues in the mouth or throat, such as poor dentition, oral infections, or pharyngeal muscle weakness, can make swallowing difficult, leading to the sensation of food getting stuck.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Esophageal Cancer: Although less common, esophageal cancer can cause strictures or obstruction that leads to food getting stuck. Early diagnosis is crucial for treatment outcomes.
- Foreign Body Obstruction: Especially in children, but also in adults, accidentally swallowing a non-food item can cause an obstruction.
- Acute Coronary Syndrome: In some cases, the sensation of food getting stuck can be confused with chest pain associated with a heart attack, especially if the pain is referred to the throat or jaw.
Rare Diagnoses
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A chronic immune system disease in which a type of white blood cell, the eosinophil, builds up in the esophagus in response to an allergen or irritant, leading to inflammation and strictures.
- Scleroderma: A chronic disease characterized by deposition of collagen, replacing normal tissue, which can lead to esophageal dysmotility and strictures.
- Zenker's Diverticulum: A rare condition where a pouch forms in the pharynx, which can trap food and lead to the sensation of food getting stuck.