They had attempted to swallow food particles that were simply too large to pass down into their stomachs. Left untreated, food stuck in the esophagus can lead to serious injury. What is this condition called? In the summer and fall, when people with allergies tend to suffer the most, there is an increased risk for eosinophilic esophagitis. This is an inflammation of the esophagus that causes swelling and makes it more difficult to swallow. When food gets stuck, it’s called an esophageal bolus impaction. How can I tell that food is stuck in my esophagus? It occurs while eating a meal. You may experience pressure in your chest. Some people start drooling because not even saliva is passing through the swallowing tube. It may feel as though you have a foreign body caught in your chest.