Food Bolus Lodged for an Extended Period
28-year-old female Currently taking Guanfacine, Prozac, and Lyrica. It’s been quite the rollercoaster for me these past two weeks! To give you some context, I’ve experienced my fair share of food getting lodged in my esophagus several times each week since I was in high school. Typically, it’s not a huge deal; I manage to induce vomiting and continue with my day. However, today was different. I took a single bite of a turkey sandwich, and ever since, I’ve been regurgitating saliva and the sensation of food being trapped persists. The food got stuck around 11 AM, and now it’s already 8 PM. What can I do to alleviate this predicament?
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 1:10:26 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing a frustrating and uncomfortable situation with food feeling lodged in your esophagus. Given that this has been a recurring issue for you, it’s important to address it carefully, especially since you’ve had symptoms for several hours. Here’s some guidance to help you manage this condition:
Key Points:
- Food Obstruction Symptoms: Continuously feeling like there is food stuck can cause distress and potential complications.
- Self-Care Steps: While you may have managed this in the past with vomiting, there are better ways to handle the situation.
Explanation:
Food lodging in the esophagus can occur due to various reasons, including esophageal motility issues or structural problems. The sensation of having food caught can lead to regurgitating saliva as your body tries to manage the obstruction. Inducing vomiting, although you've done it previously, is not ideal as it might cause injury or further irritation.
Next Steps:
-
Stay Calm: Stress can exacerbate the feeling of food being stuck, so try to take a moment to relax.
-
Hydration: Drink small sips of water. This can sometimes help push the food down. However, be cautious not to drink large amounts at once, as this could increase discomfort.
-
Soft Foods: If you feel okay and want to try, you can eat a soft food like yogurt or mashed potatoes. The consistency may ease the passage of the stuck food.
-
Upright Position: Maintain an upright posture. Sitting or standing can help gravity aid in moving the food along.
-
Gentle Movement: Walking slowly may help stimulate digestion and assist in moving the obstruction.
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Take note of any worsening symptoms, such as severe pain, inability to swallow liquids, or if you start experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath.
When to Seek Help:
If the feeling of food being lodged continues for several hours or worsens, or if you experience severe symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention. Persistent obstruction can lead to complications such as esophageal tears or infections.
Please take care and monitor how you feel in the next few hours. Let me know if you need further information or assistance!
Related Questions
Seeking Guidance on Health Concerns
At 21 years old, I identify as transgender female and have yet to begin hormone therapy. My health issues began about seven years ago with a swollen lymph node in my neck that wasn't accompanied by pain. After consulting a physician, I was reassured that it was merely a swollen lymph node, leading me to dismiss my concerns at the time. Over the years, I've noticed additional lymph nodes appearing, and while their sizes have fluctuated, I didn't think it warranted further attention. Recently, however, I have been experiencing more troubling symptoms. Eating has become a challenge due to nausea, and I find myself feeling full much sooner than normal. Additionally, I struggle with insomnia, waking up soaked in sweat multiple times each night. My overall energy levels have been declining gradually as well. With these developments, I've started to worry that lymphoma could be a possibility. This thought feels daunting, especially considering my age and the absence of any family history related to the condition. I'm uncertain about whether I should seek medical advice and what specific concerns I should bring up during a visit to the doctor.
Understanding the Lines on My Fingertips
For the past few years, I've noticed some peculiar lines resembling scars across my fingertips. This phenomenon appears on both my hands, and it is important to clarify that these markings are not due to dryness. I'm curious about what they might signify or if anyone else has experienced something similar.
Unusual Tongue Condition
Last weekend, I participated in a three-day sleepover with my younger cousin, who seems to have a habit of coughing openly. Upon returning home, I began to feel unwell; I woke up with a pounding headache and a painful throat. By the final day of the sleepover, my discomfort intensified. I noticed a rash spreading across my face, and my throat was incredibly sore, similar to the experience of having stage 2 sunburn (an ordeal I went through last year) but without the blistering. Eating and drinking became increasingly painful, and even resting caused discomfort. Though the rash eventually faded, I was left with a peculiar appearance on my tongue. Frustratingly, my parents refuse to seek medical attention, dismissing my concerns as typical hypochondria. I find myself wondering about the strange changes happening with my tongue and whether I should urge them for a doctor’s visit.
Are There Lasting Effects from Long-Term Use of Montelukast?
Hello everyone! To provide some background, I was prescribed montelukast at a young age—around 4 or 5 years old—continuing until I was about 10 or 11. During that time, I experienced significant levels of aggression. Unfortunately, none of the medical professionals we consulted suggested discontinuing the medication or indicated that my symptoms could have been related to its use. This has left me with some unresolved feelings so I’d rather not delve deeper into that right now. Currently, it has been some time since I stopped taking montelukast, but I find myself grappling with certain challenges. While I’m hesitant to elaborate unless absolutely necessary, I’m curious whether anyone knows about potential long-term side effects from prolonged use of this medication during childhood. Thank you so much for your insights! Much appreciated! <3
Concerns About Hand Discoloration
A 30-year-old woman, who stands at 5 feet 7 inches and weighs 140 pounds, has been experiencing concerning symptoms with her hands and wrists. They have developed a reddish and blotchy appearance, which has now spread down to the wrists. She is on medication for Borderline Personality Disorder and depression. Although she recognizes the need to consult a doctor soon, her anxiety levels are significantly elevated as she prepares to schedule this appointment.