Esophageal stricture means the food pipe has narrowed, so swallowing becomes a one-way street that’s slowly closing. Food sticking is the hallmark. Bread, meat, or even pills feel like they park halfway down and need a sip to keep moving. Slow swallow follows. Meals take longer because you have to chew extra or wash each bite with water. Pain or burning can hit when food scrapes the narrow spot, especially with hot or spicy dishes. Pocket clearing becomes routine. You cough or throat-clear after eating to push crumbs off the shelf. Weight loss creeps in. You eat less to avoid... Learn more