Diseases & Conditions

Why do I have trouble swallowing?

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By , Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
A man sits at a table with a cup in front of him; he is holding a hand to his throat and grimacing, appearing to have trouble swallowing.I have developed intermittent difficulty swallowing. Sometimes, it feels like something gets stuck as I swallow, and other times, like my throat muscles don't work correctly. What could cause this?

Dysphagia can also happen when the esophagus becomes inflamed, known as esophagitis. Esophagitis most often results from acid reflux. Other less common reasons for the inflammation are drugs, such as the antibiotic doxycycline (Vibramycin) and alendronate (Fosamax) for osteoporosis, or an infection.

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About the Author

photo of Howard E. LeWine, MD

Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing

Dr. Howard LeWine is a practicing internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Chief Medical Editor at Harvard Health Publishing, and editor in chief of Harvard Men’s Health Watch. See Full Bio
View all posts by Howard E. LeWine, MD

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