... such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease Pharyngoesophageal diverticulum, a small pouch that forms and collects food particles in your throat Esophageal dysphagia , a disorder of the esophagus in which you have difficulty moving food down your esophagus. Causes may include: Esophageal stricture (narrowing of your esophagus) Esophageal cancer GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), a condition in which the contents of your stomach leak backward into your esophagus A bedside swallow ...