Trouble with swallowing can originate anywhere in the mouth, throat or esophagus. The esophagus is a muscular tube in your throat that carries food and water to your stomach. Swallowing problems can be mild or severe.

How does it feel to have difficulty swallowing?

Signs and symptoms associated with dysphagia can include: Pain while swallowing. Inability to swallow. A sensation of food getting stuck in the throat or chest or behind the breastbone (sternum)

What are the early symptoms of dysphagia?

Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty in swallowing. This includes problems with sucking, swallowing, drinking, chewing, eating, dribbling saliva, closing lips, or when food or drink goes down the wrong way. Early signs of dysphagia are coughing, gagging or choking while eating and drinking.