Diffuculty Swallowing

Background info: I am a 23 year old male.  I have recently been diagnosed with GERD (symptoms for over a year before diagnosis).  My personal physician also said it I might have an ulcer and/or hiatial hernia, based on symptoms I described during my visit. I started on a Prilosec regimen once a day  (in the morning) last week.  

Overall, the heartburn symptoms have improved, but the belching has not.  Also, I constantly feel like I have a lump in my throat while eating and sometimes have diffuculty swallowing, especially solid food. Food seems to catch at the top of my throat.  It also seems like the more/longer I eat, the harder it is to swallow.  I also have lots of phlegm during/after I eat.  I guess I have a few questions.

1. What things should I be explaining/asking my physician to allow for a quicker diagnosis/resolution to my symptoms?
2.  How likely is it that I have a serious illness?  What are some red flags to watch for knowing my situation?

Thanks for your help.

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
1. You should have an upper GI endoscopy done for evaluation of difficulty in swallowing.
2. Difficulty in swallowing may or may not be related. Late complications of GERD include narrowing of esophagus and malignancy which may cause difficulty in swallowing. But  they  are unlikely in your case taking your age in to consideration.

Have an upper GI endoscopy done for evaluation.