Pain, difficulty, or inability to swallow food or liquids, or having the sensation that something is stuck in your throat or chest.

Difficulty swallowing, or painful swallowing, is common in older adults. You may feel like you have food stuck in your throat or behind your breastbone. Symptoms that may accompany difficulty swallowing include coughing or gagging when swallowing, frequent heartburn, hoarseness or sore throat, and regurgitation.