Swallowing problems can be transient and self limiting and may include infections, acid reflux and ‘globus’. Obstructions in the oesophagus such as narrowing or a pharyngeal pouch may cause difficulty in swallowing or regurgitation. More serious problems including throat or oesophageal cancer can present with difficulty in swallowing and for this reason, all patients with difficulty in swallowing, particularly obstruction of swallowing and regurgitation of food need urgent further assessment.
