Home Care:

Eat slowly, and chew food thoroughly. If a person suddenly shows signs of choking and difficulty breathing, the Heimlich maneuver should be performed immediately.

You may have an easier time swallowing liquids or pureed foods than solids. Avoid very cold or very hot foods if you notice that they worsen the problem.

Call your health care provider if:

Call your provider if the problem continues, even if the symptoms come and go.

Tell your doctor about any other symptoms you may have including:

• Abdominal pain
• Chills
• Cough
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Sour taste in mouth
• Weight loss
• Wheezing
• Vomiting, especially if it contains blood

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

Your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:

• Do you have difficulty swallowing solids, liquids, or both?
• Is the problem constant or does it come and go?
• Is it getting worse?
• Does it hurt to swallow?
• What other symptoms do you have?
• What other medical conditions do you have?
• What medications do you take?

The following tests may be done:

• Barium swallow
• Chest x-ray
• Esophageal pH monitoring
• Esophageal manometry
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)