Definition

Steakhouse syndrome is when a mass of food becomes stuck on the way to the stomach. It gets stuck in the tube that connects the mouth and stomach.

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Causes

Steakhouse syndrome happens when a large amount of food is swallowed. It is more common with more solid foods like meat.

Risk Factors

Things that make steakhouse syndrome more likely are:

• Not chewing your food well
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Wearing dentures
• Having a physical problem that affects how food moves down the esophagus such as:
  • Achalasia
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Having a condition that affects the esophagus, such as:
  • Schatzkis ring
  • Esophageal stricture
  • Hiatal hernia
  • Eosinophilic esophagitis
  • Esophageal cancer or other tumors

Symptoms

Steakhouse syndrome may cause:

• Chest pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Drooling
• Coughing, gagging, choking

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. Tests may be done if it keeps happening with no clear cause. Tests may include:

• X-ray with or without barium
• Endoscopy

Treatment

The food may move down to the stomach on its own. To help it move the doctor may recommend:

• Drinking a carbonated beverage.
• An injection of glucagon. It will ease pressure in your throat and may allow food to pass.

An endoscopy may be done if the food does not pass. A scope will be passed through the mouth and down the throat. Small tools will be passed down the tube to remove the food or push it down to the stomach.

Your doctor will look for possible reasons the food was blocked. It may help to prevent another event.

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of steakhouse syndrome:

• Chew slowly and until the food is small enough to safely swallow.
• Follow your treatment plan for health issues in the throat or stomach.