How To Dislodge Food Stuck In Esophagus: 7 Effective Tips

Did you know that over 15 million Americans experience swallowing problems, known as dysphagia, every year? This condition can cause food to get stuck in the esophagus, leading to discomfort and, in severe cases, requiring medical attention.

Are you also feeling like food is stuck in your chest? Are you experiencing pain, panic, or difficulty swallowing and looking for a solution to get rid of it? Do not worry, as there are some effective and simple ways to move the food down your esophagus. Let's learn in this guide how to dislodge food stuck in the esophagus! 

How to Dislodge Food Stuck In Esophagus: 7 Best Tips That Works

Take these measures to get rid of food stuck in the esophagus:

1. Try Coca-Cola Trick

Research shows that carbonated drinks like Coca-Cola help resolve 59% of the cases of food obstructions in your esophagus. This technique works as the carbon dioxide in carbonated drinks helps disintegrate the foods or when the soda gets in the stomach, it releases gas and the resulting pressure helps the food go down the esophagus.

2. Use Apple Cider Vinegar

The acidity of the vinegar can break down the food, making it easier to swallow. Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of warm water and sip slowly. However, be cautious if you have acid reflux or a sensitive stomach, as the acidity might cause discomfort.

3. Drink Water

Drink water in big sips. As the food stuck in your stomach might be dry, adding moisture can help it slide down easily. Be careful to keep a full glass and take 3-4 big sips.

4. Eat Moist Food

It may sound counter-productive to swallow more food when there is already food stuck in your esophagus, but a moist piece of food can help push down the food stuck in the windpipe. Try bread dipped in milk and take a few bites of it. A banana also works as it is naturally a soft food.

5. Have Alka-Seltzer Tablets

Alka-Seltzer is effervescent and originally used to cure heartburn and headaches. It helps dislodge the food by breaking down the something stuck in the throat by producing bubbles that dislodge the food because of pressure.

6. Use Butter

It works on the same logic as water and moist food, aiming to provide lubrication to the throat so that food can slide down easily. Swallowing a spoonful of butter can help hydrate the esophagus lining and help slide the food down.

7. Try Baking Soda Solution

Mix half a teaspoon of baking soda in warm water and slowly drink it. This can help form gas in the stomach, which encourages the food to move down.

Heimlich Maneuver Method To Dislodge Food Stuck in Esophagus

If the person is choking on food (food stuck in the throat), it is best to seek immediate emergency medical care or perform the Heimlich maneuver. According to MedlinePlus, the Heimlich maneuver is performed only if the person is choking. It should not be performed on children below the age of 1 year or pregnant women in the late stages of their pregnancy.

The steps to perform the Heimlich Maneuver are as follows:

Step 1: Stand behind the person who is choking with your hands around their waist

Step 2: Make a fist and place it above that person's navel and below their ribcage

Step 3: Using your other hand, hold your fisted hand.

Step 4: Now push your fist backward and upward under their ribcage. Repeat this motion 8-10 times quickly.

Step 5: Perform this until the food dislodges itself from the airways and the person can breathe properly again.

Step 6: Ensure follow-up medical care even after the choking has stopped.

What Happens If Food Remains Stuck in Your Throat?

If the food remains stuck in your throat, it can cause choking, difficulty swallowing, or coughing which can lead to the following complications:

• Aspiration pneumonia (a type of lung infection that can be life-threatening)

• Damage to the esophagus, stomach, or throat

• Malnutrition

• Dehydration

• Weight loss

So, seek medical attention immediately if stuck food is causing discomfort or pain. Healthcare professionals can help with endoscopy to remove food. They recommend seeking help within 6-12 hours to reduce the risk of damage. 

When to See a Doctor?

If food gets stuck in your esophagus and you’re unable to dislodge it using simple home methods, it’s important to see a doctor. Signs that you need medical help include:

• severe pain

• trouble swallowing

• difficulty breathing

• feeling like the food is completely blocking your throat. 

If these symptoms occur, don’t wait too long. A doctor can safely remove the blockage and check for any underlying issues that might have caused the problem.

Why Does Food Get Stuck in the Esophagus?

Knowing the potential reasons for food getting stuck in your esophagus can help prevent the chances of its recurrence:

• Improper Chewing of the Food: Can lead to large chewed bites that are harder to swallow.

• Dry or Tough Foods: Dry ice, bread, or meat are hard foods that can become stuck if not moistened appropriately.

• Eating Too Quickly: Eating the food too quickly without adequate saliva can cause the food to stick.

• Esophageal Strictures (Narrowing): Conditions such as scarring, inflammation, or tumors can lead to the narrowing of the esophagus, which makes it difficult to swallow.

• Esophageal Muscle Dysfunction: Issues such as achalasia or esophageal spasms can impact muscle movement, which prevents the smooth swallowing of food.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This chronic condition can cause damage to the esophageal muscles, raising the chances of food getting stuck.

• Large or Sticky Foods: Poorly chewed meat, cheese, or peanut butter can be harder to pass, resulting in sticking to the esophagus.

• Underlying Medical Conditions: Multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, or stroke can also impact swallowing ability.

If you are dealing with frequent sticking of the food, see a doctor to determine any severe issues. 

Signs of Esophageal Food Impaction (food getting stuck in the esophagus)

These are the possible signs of food impaction in your esophagus: 

• Pain while swallowing

• Squeezing sensation in the chest

• Difficulty swallowing liquids

• Feeling of choking

• Regurgitation (food flowing back to the mouth)

• Drooling

• Chest pain, especially after eating

• Hiccups

• Respiratory symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, or wheezing.

If you experience any signs, consult with the doctor immediately to rule out the potential causes and get proper treatment.

How to Prevent Food From Getting Stuck In Your Esophagus?

To prevent food from getting stuck in your esophagus, resulting in choking, you must keep the following in mind.

1. Eat Small Bites of Food

Taking large bites of food can increase the risk of choking. Ensure you cut your food into small bites before swallowing.

2. Chew Thoroughly

Take your time with the digestive process that starts in your mouth as the saliva is released and mixed with food. Ensure that you chew your food properly, so it slides down easily from the esophagus.

3. Don’t Drink Much Alcohol Before or During Meals

Consuming alcohol while eating may lead to choking as a person is intoxicated. You must avoid eating while or after intoxication or have a sober friend supervise.

4. Don’t Talk While Eating

Talking while eating risks the opening of the epiglottis, a flap that covers your trachea while eating. This is a high-risk factor for choking, so ensure conversations happen after food is eaten.

5. Being Mindful of Time

The fast-paced lifestyle of many young individuals does not permit them to savor food; with on-the-go food becoming a trend, it is important to remember that you must eat properly and take your time. Make sure to sit down and eat a meal instead of rushing it.

Final Takeaway

So, how to dislodge food stuck in the esophagus? As we learned in this article, by trying the Coca-Cola trick to using apple cider vinegar and alka-seltzer tablets and eating moist food and butter, you can safely and quickly get rid of stuck food. You can also perform the Heimlich maneuver immediately. However, the better idea is to seek medical assistance before it causes any complications.