What causes difficulty in swallowing food while suffering from anxiety?
Patient: Hi, I have for a long to,me eaten very quickly and never chewed my food enough, swallowing large pieces of food.  After eating, of which I've noticed more so over the past few months, on occasion the food seems to get stuck or go down slowly producing a tightening uncomfortable pain in my chest.  I have a glass of water and each gulp hurts but then five to ten seconds later the pain suddenly goes as though the water has helped lubricate the esophagus.  However tonight, it hapened while i was eating steak and rice, I felt the pain build after a few mouthfulls.  I stood up, the pain seemed to get worse at doing this and I an unusual sensation, as though I was having trouble breathing along with this tight lodged pain!  I had water and within a few seconds the pain had gone.  I am worried I might have a growth in my esophagus that is catching the food as it goes down.  I also suffer from bad anxiety and have had panic attacks in the past.  I definitely eat way way to fast and don't chew enough but am worried its been gradually getting a little worse over the last few weeks/months.  It doesn't happen all the time - I had breakfast and lunch and no issues - just occasionally - three or four times a week.  I'm male, 38 years ols with no knows medical conditions.  Thank you. Doctor: Hello,              You are well aware of your wrong eating style..  All the symptoms you have mentioned are attributed to that only..  First improve these habits..  and see...  if still these symptoms persists then visit ENT surgeon..  to rule out any growth near oesophagus..