Hard to swallow is a symptom of a variety of medical conditions. It can be caused by inflammation, infection, or injury of the throat and esophagus. It can also be caused by a narrowing of the throat due to a tumor or foreign object. Symptoms can include difficulty initiating a swallow, a sensation of food sticking in the throat, and pain or burning in the throat. It can also cause a feeling of fullness in the throat even after eating a small amount of food. It can worsen when eating certain foods, such as those that are dry or high in acid.