It's only natural to have swallowing problems, our autonomic nervous system controls the smooth muscles of our esophagus. I had an esophageal monomitry after having swallowing/breathing problems. My esophagus doesn't work in a normal parastolic wave, it jumps in fits and starts. Spasms at times and in places it shouldn't, the smallest of pills or water and get stuck in these. Many of us have GERD because our lower esophageal sphincter pressure is very low, allowing all of our stomach acids to flow back up cause even more problems swallowing. Get on your GI guy to do or find someone that will do an esophageal monomitry, it can answer many of your questions.