Question
Hello Doctor, I often experience a feeling of obstruction in my throat and sometimes pain in the neck area, along with occasional coughing. What could this indicate? Please advise. Thank you!
-Anonymous Customer
Hello Doctor, I often experience a feeling of obstruction in my throat, frequent neck pain, and occasional coughing. What condition could this indicate? Please provide advice. Thank you!
-Trieu Minh Huan (1985)
Response
Hello, Difficulty swallowing, medically termed dysphagia, refers to a sensation of obstruction or difficulty in performing the act of swallowing. This symptom can be caused by various conditions involving the esophagus, pharynx, or pressure exerted on the esophagus. Determining the exact cause of your symptoms, including cough and a feeling of throat obstruction, requires a thorough evaluation as there are numerous potential causes, including esophageal cancer.
The severity of swallowing difficulties varies between individuals and stages of the condition. In mild cases, food passes through the esophagus with minor discomfort, accompanied by pain when swallowing. In more severe cases, both solid food and liquids may cause vomiting, leading to an inability to eat or drink.
Swallowing difficulties may also present alongside other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, coughing, or difficulty breathing.
Therefore, you should seek diagnosis as soon as possible to increase the chances of curing the condition and achieving recovery. It is recommended that you have a health check-up at a reputable medical facility or at one of the hospitals within the Vinmec Health System nationwide, where experienced doctors can provide consultation and guidance.
Thank you for reaching out to Vinmec!
Sincerely.
