On and Off Pain Swallowing!

Hi!

I've been having this terrible pain swallowing that has now lasted about 6 months. My doc thinks it's GERD but the Nexium he's given me doesn't seem to work. Basically, every 4-6 days, I'll wake up with chest pains. It feels like something is shooting up my throat and into my chest. Eventually, these pains go away but for the rest of the day, it's very painful to swallow. It even hurts to swallow saliva. Within 24 hours the pain is gone and I feel fine again. The symptoms then repeat themselves again after a few days of them being gone. I'm also belching a lot and spit up lots of phlegm when my throat is hurting. Any suggestions as to what it could be or what to do?

Thanks so much!

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
These are symptoms of GERD with reflux esophagitis. Upper GI endoscopy may be done to confirm reflux esophagitis which is causing pain while swallowing. GERD can be confirmed with 24 hours pH monitoring.
For relief of symptoms Nexium can be continued in addition to lifestyle modifications.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D