Dr Julius Parker: Difficulty swallowing and sweaty feet

Q I am experiencing difficulty swallowing bulky foods. It feels as if the food — usually potato and bread — is getting stuck as it passes through the oesophagus. The location of the blockage seems to change from day to day — sometimes it’s behind the breastbone; other times it’s where the food enters the stomach. Also, there are some days when I experience no difficulty swallowing. I am otherwise healthy. What do you think?

A Symptoms that come and go do not often signify a serious disease, although it depends how long you’ve had these difficulties. That you’ve remained otherwise fit is reassuring.

Your age is important, as difficulty swallowing isn’t unusual in the elderly. Your doctor would ask if you’ve experienced vomiting or regurgitation of undigested food, or unexplained weight loss, whether your symptoms only involve solid food or also liquids, and if you need to chew more, or cut up your food into smaller pieces to avoid such symptoms. If you’ve one or more of these symptoms, your doctor is likely to suggest further investigations.