3) Esophageal stricture – A narrow esophagus (stricture) actually can trap food. Scar tissue or tumors also can cause this narrowing.
4) Esophageal tumors – These can block the tube as they grow, making complete swallowing increasingly difficult.
5) Foreign bodies – Sometimes, the sensation that something is blocking the food is not imaginary. Those who have dentures and those who don’t properly chew food can get something lodged in the throat or esophagus.
6) Esophageal ring – This is a thinning of the lower esophagus that can intermittently cause difficulty swallowing foods.
7) Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – When stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, it can lead to scarring and narrowing of the lower esophagus.
8) Scleroderma – This scar-like tissue can harden and weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, which allows acid to back up into the esophagus and promotes heartburn.
9) Eosinophilic esophagitis – An overpopulation of cells called eosinophils in the esophagus can cause this condition. Food allergies may play a role.
10) Radiation therapy – If you are being treated for cancer with radiation, the treatments can lead to scarring of the esophagus.