Hello No Name,
The name of your symptom is called dysphagia. Your cranial nerve 10 "the vagus nerve" is responsible for this among other things. Is your gag reflex intact? When you put your finger down your throat do you gag? If so, then it's probably not your vagus nerve and that would be a good thing.
Oropharyngeal dysphagia may be what you have.
Do these sound familiar? If so, a doctor will need to run some tests. This website may be of help to you. You may want to ask to see a throat specialist. In the meantime try positioning your head tilted slightly foward before swallowing, this will narrow your airways, and help you swallow easier. Try sucking on a lemon, or anything else tart, before each bite of food. It will stimulate salivation, lubricate food, and enhance your ability to swallow. Try to stay away from dry foods and liquid foods. Thickened foods, the thickened consistency of pudding, is easier to swallow than otehr type of foods. You can buy a thickening agent to add to foods that will help in the meantime. Also, really concentrate on what you are doinh. Think about swallowing then swallow. Avoid talking when you eat. Try to avoid dairy products, it only causes secretions to thicken, not helpful at all.
Symptoms of oropharyngeal dysphagia include the following:
- Difficulty trying to swallow
- Choking or breathing saliva into your lungs while swallowing
- Coughing while swallowing
- Regurgitating liquid through your nose
- Breathing in food while swallowing
- Weak voice
- Weight loss
Read more: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/dysphagia-000053.htm#ixzz1wYo68Pbc