Pharynx (sp?) spasm (?)

[kimbellsl]

Over the past few months I have noted a problem associated with swallowing. It sometimes feels as if what I have swallowed is stuck in my throat usualy in the area of my pharynx (Adams Apple). This is not associated with any pain/reflux and the discomfort is somewhat minor though it will persist for hours at times. I can eat large meals or small meals - with or without symptoms. As often as not, simply swallowing a pill causes the symptom. Drinking fluids does not seem to alleviate the problem - only time does. I have considered some sort of hernia though I cannot find anything related to it, I am left believing it is a spasm but am not sure. Anyone else experiencing this or hear of it?

[Sarah68]

Could well be a hiatus hernia. This is further up and can cause the symptoms that you describe.

It could be oesophageal spasms also, as peristalsis starts around that level too.

[Katie G]

You might want to refer yourself to a reputable GI doc who could order the appropriate tests to look at your swallow function. You could actually have a cervical osteophyte (outgrowth of bone from the neck) causing a sensation of difficulty swallowing. Only an X-ray could tell, but your symptoms warrant medical folllow-up.

Good luck,
Katie G