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Esophageal Blockage, Resolved

The esophagus is the passage or tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. You had a blockage in the esophagus. This can happen after swallowing a large piece of food, taking a large pill, or swallowing foreign objects.

If this is a recurring problem, it can be a sign of disease in the esophagus, such as inflammation (swelling and irritation), scarring, or a structural problem, such as a ring or web of tissue that blocks food. If you did not have a special procedure (endoscopy) today to treat your condition, further testing will be needed to evaluate this problem.

The blockage has cleared. You should be able to swallow normally again.

Home care

  • For the next 24 hours, you may drink liquids and eat soft foods.

  • You may have been given medicine today to prevent pain and help you relax. If so, you may feel drowsy for the next 4 to 12 hours. Don't drive or operate dangerous equipment until you feel alert again.

  • If your esophagus was blocked by food, be sure to cut solid food into small pieces before putting it into your mouth. Chew all foods well before swallowing.

  • If your esophagus was blocked by an over-the-counter pill (such as a vitamin), stay away from this size pill in the future. If it was blocked by a prescription medicine, ask your doctor for another form of medicine.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your doctor, or as advised. If you continue to have problems, contact your doctor. If this is a recurring problem, talk with your doctor about it. They may suggest having an endoscopy. This procedure uses a small camera and light in a narrow, flexible tube to look in the esophagus.

When to get medical advice

Contact your doctor right away if you:

  • Not able to swallow liquids or even your own saliva.

  • Significant pain when swallowing.

  • A fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as directed by your doctor.

Call 911

Call 911 if you have: 

  • Chest pain.

  • Shortness of breath.

  • Vomiting blood (red or black).

  • Blood in your stool (dark red or black color).

Online Medical Reviewer: Ronald Karlin MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
Date Last Reviewed: 6/1/2025
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