If you are having difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia, the most important step is to take it seriously and seek medical advice. While mild swallowing problems can sometimes be caused by a sore throat, acid reflux or temporary infection, ongoing or worsening difficulty swallowing should always be assessed by a GP.
In some cases, simple treatments such as dietary changes, medication or throat care can help, but more persistent symptoms may need investigation by a specialist. If you are struggling to swallow saliva, food or liquids, or if you feel like food is getting stuck, you should speak to a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
If you are having trouble swallowing and the issue is ongoing, speak to Nick Hamilton about treatment for difficulty swallowing. Email us on secretary@throatspecialist.co.uk or call us on 020 7034 6053..
Key Points
• Stay hydrated and choose softer foods if swallowing is uncomfortable
• Seek medical advice early if symptoms persist, worsen, or affect eating and drinking
• A GP or specialist may investigate the cause and offer targeted treatment
Why am I finding it difficult to swallow?
Difficulty swallowing can happen for many reasons, and most are not serious. One of the most common causes is inflammation in the throat from infections such as tonsillitis or a sore throat. Acid reflux can also irritate the throat and make swallowing feel uncomfortable or tight.
Sometimes swallowing problems are linked to dry mouth, anxiety, or muscle tension in the throat. In other cases, conditions affecting the oesophagus or nervous system may be involved. Because there are many possible causes, it is important not to ignore symptoms if they continue.
Research suggests that around 1 in 25 adults experience swallowing difficulties each year, with the risk increasing in older age groups. Another study shows that dysphagia affects up to 10% of people over the age of 50, making it a relatively common symptom that should still be checked when persistent.
What can I do straight away if I am struggling to swallow?
If swallowing feels difficult, try sitting upright and taking small sips of water. Soft, moist foods are usually easier to manage than dry or hard foods. Eating slowly and chewing food thoroughly can also reduce discomfort.
Avoid rushing meals, as this can increase the feeling of food getting stuck. Warm drinks may help relax the throat muscles and make swallowing easier. If you are experiencing pain, over-the-counter pain relief may reduce inflammation and make swallowing more comfortable.
If food or liquid feels stuck and does not pass, do not force more food down. Instead, stop eating and seek advice if the problem does not quickly resolve.
Which home remedies can help if you are struggling to swallow?
Home remedies can help ease mild swallowing discomfort, especially when it is caused by a sore throat or minor irritation. Staying well hydrated is one of the most effective steps, as a dry throat can make swallowing feel more difficult.
Warm drinks such as herbal tea or warm water with honey may soothe the throat lining. Gargling with warm salt water can also help reduce inflammation if the cause is infection-related.
If acid reflux is contributing to symptoms, avoiding late-night meals, reducing spicy foods, and eating smaller portions may help. Raising the head of your bed slightly can also reduce night-time reflux symptoms that affect swallowing.
Which over-the-counter medication can help with difficulty swallowing?
Over-the-counter medication can sometimes help depending on the cause. Pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can reduce discomfort from throat inflammation or infection.
If acid reflux is suspected, pharmacy antacids or acid-reducing medicines may help improve swallowing discomfort over time. Throat lozenges can also provide temporary relief by soothing irritation.
If allergies are contributing to postnasal drip or throat irritation, antihistamines may help reduce mucus and improve symptoms.
However, if swallowing problems continue, medication alone is not enough and medical assessment is needed.
When should I speak to a GP?
You should speak to a GP if your swallowing difficulty lasts more than a few days, keeps returning, or is getting worse. It is especially important to seek help if you are losing weight unintentionally, avoiding food, or finding it difficult to swallow liquids.
You should seek urgent medical advice if you are unable to swallow saliva, are choking frequently, or have severe pain when swallowing. Other warning signs include persistent hoarseness, coughing when eating or drinking, or a sensation of food consistently getting stuck.
Early assessment is important because swallowing problems can affect nutrition and hydration if left untreated.
When should I see a throat or ENT specialist?
If your symptoms persist or the cause is unclear, your GP may refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. ENT specialists and throat specialists in London are trained to assess swallowing problems affecting the throat and upper airway.
They may use a small flexible camera called a nasendoscope to examine the throat and voice box. This helps identify inflammation, structural problems, or signs of reflux or infection.
In some cases, further tests such as a swallow study or imaging may be recommended to understand how food and liquid move through your throat.
What treatments are available to help with trouble swallowing?
Treatment depends entirely on the cause of your swallowing difficulty. If infection is responsible, anti-inflammatory treatment or antibiotics (if bacterial) may be prescribed. If acid reflux is the cause, acid-reducing medication and lifestyle changes are often effective.
For muscle-related swallowing problems, speech and language therapy may help improve coordination and swallowing technique. In rarer cases, structural issues in the throat or oesophagus may require further medical or surgical treatment.
The aim of treatment is always to improve safe swallowing, reduce discomfort and prevent complications such as choking or dehydration.
Is there anything else I should know?
It is important not to ignore ongoing swallowing problems, even if they feel mild at first. Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated and managing conditions such as reflux or allergies can all help reduce symptoms.
Most swallowing difficulties are treatable once the cause is identified. Early assessment leads to better outcomes and can help prevent symptoms from becoming more severe over time.
See also:
What should I do if I keep getting tonsillitis?
