What's Choking Your Heart: When Food Gets Stuck

Food impaction in the esophagus can cause severe chest pain and discomfort.

Certain foods like meat, bread, and pills can get stuck in the esophagus.

Conditions like esophageal strictures or achalasia increase the risk of food impaction.

Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, gagging, and feeling like food is stuck.

If the object is not removed, it can cause esophageal perforation or abscess.

Endoscopy is often used to diagnose and treat food impaction.

Glucagon may be administered to relax the esophagus and help dislodge the food.

Severe cases may require emergency medical attention to prevent complications.

Food impaction can be a sign of underlying esophageal conditions that need medical evaluation.

Prompt treatment can help alleviate symptoms and prevent long-term damage to the esophagus.